common to all

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that everyone or everyone in a certain group has in common. For example: There are some traits that are common to all students in this school.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a problem common to all DVRs.

MIT Technology Review

I think that's common to all of us.

The Guardian

It is a paradox common to all wilderness writing.

The Guardian - Books

It is a problem common to all regional capitals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Certain characteristics are common to all civil services.

Britannica

This challenge is common to all functional size measurement methods.

Information and Software Technology

Exams and homework are common to all sections.

Princeton University

The mechanism is common to all silvery fish, he said.

The New York Times - Science

One approximation is common to all discussions of molecules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Problem solving is common to all engineering work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain core subjects are common to all programs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common to all" to highlight shared traits, characteristics, or issues within a defined group. This phrase is particularly effective when drawing comparisons or generalizations across a population.

Common error

Avoid using "common to all" when you intend to refer to a majority, but not the entirety, of a group. Using more precise quantifiers like "most" or "the majority" ensures clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common to all" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a shared attribute, characteristic, or experience across an entire group. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common to all" is a versatile expression used to denote universality and shared attributes within a group. Ludwig's analysis, validated by Ludwig AI, indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedic content. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, careful attention should be paid to the scope to avoid misrepresenting the extent of the shared trait. Alternatives such as "universal to all" and "shared by all" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

universal to all

Replaces "common" with "universal", emphasizing widespread prevalence.

applicable to everyone

Replaces "common to all" with a more explicit description of the group affected.

shared by all

Focuses on the aspect of sharing rather than commonality.

inherent in everyone

Indicates that something is naturally part of all individuals.

found in all

Highlights the presence of something in every member of a group.

characteristic of all

Emphasizes that something is a typical feature of everything or everyone.

pervasive among all

Implies that something spreads widely throughout a group.

typical of all

Suggests that something is a usual example for everything or everyone.

widespread among all

Highlights the broad distribution of something within a group.

across the board

An idiomatic expression meaning "applying to all".

FAQs

How can I use "common to all" in a sentence?

The phrase "common to all" is used to describe something that is shared or typical among all members of a group. For example, "A desire for recognition is "common to all" artists."

What are some alternatives to "common to all"?

Alternatives include "universal to all", "applicable to everyone", or "shared by all", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "common for all" instead of "common to all"?

While "common for" can be used in different contexts, "common to all" is the standard and more precise way to express something that is shared by every member of a group. "Common for" often implies suitability or prevalence within a group, rather than universality.

What's the difference between "common to all" and "typical of all"?

"Common to all" indicates that something is present or shared by every member of a group. "Typical of all" suggests that something is representative or characteristic, but not necessarily universally present. For example, "Breathing is "common to all" living beings", whereas "struggles are "typical of all" artists".