common to use

USAGE SUMMARY

'common to use' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is regularly employed or accepted. For example: "It is common to use comma-separated lists for itemized instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is natural and common to use a Super Bowl season as a barometer for success.

The New York Times - Sports

Locally, we've found it's more common to use two slices and a single layer of filling.

The Washington Post

When creating pages it's common to use commercial trademarks, copyright, umlaut, and other non-keyboard symbols.

Princeton University

On the other hand, some first names may be too common to use.

The Economist

In practice, it is practical and common to use a combination of both approaches.

Relational Database Design Clearly Explained

Thus, it is common to use several tools to allow collecting data regarding the processes.

Science of Computer Programming

It is common to use verbal instructions when performing complex tasks.

Acta Psychologica

It's even more common to use a VPN to protect your data when using public hotspots or wifi in hotels.

The Guardian - Tech

After improvements are made, it's common to use a transaction survey following each service call to assess progress.

Harvard Business Review

It has become increasingly common to use atomic force microscopy measurements to probe mechanical properties at the nano-micro level.

Polymer

A With the rise of smartphones, tablets and laptops, it has become increasingly common to use public Wi-Fi without thinking about security and privacy.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing standard procedures or accepted methods, use "common to use" to clearly indicate widespread acceptance and practice.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "very common to use" if the context already implies frequency. "Common to use" itself sufficiently conveys that something is regularly employed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common to use" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to describe widely accepted practices or methodologies. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common to use" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that something is widely accepted and regularly utilized. Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various fields, including science, news, and business. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with its informative purpose and maintain consistency in register to avoid redundancy or informality. Consider related phrases like "widely employed" or "frequently used" for slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently used

Changes the structure to a past participle adjective, implying habitual use.

widely employed

Replaces "common" with "widely" and "use" with a more formal "employ".

typically utilized

Substitutes both words for synonyms conveying standard practice.

generally adopted

Indicates a practice that is broadly accepted and followed.

customarily applied

Suggests a traditional or routine implementation.

often implemented

Focuses on the frequency of implementation.

regularly exercised

Emphasizes the consistent and predictable application.

ordinarily practiced

Highlights the conventional nature of the activity.

conventionally handled

Implies handling something in a way that conforms to standards.

habitually leveraged

Suggests a resource or method is used out of habit or routine.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "common to use" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "widely employed", "typically utilized", or "generally adopted".

Is there a difference between "common to use" and "commonly used"?

While both are acceptable, "common to use" often introduces an infinitive verb, while "commonly used" directly modifies a noun. For example, "It is common to use this method" versus "This is a commonly used method."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "common to use" in writing?

Use "common to use" when describing a method, practice, or tool that is widely accepted and frequently applied in a particular field or context.

What are some less formal ways to say "common to use"?

Informal alternatives include "often used", "frequently used", or "typically used". These options are suitable for casual contexts.