commonly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is frequently or usually encountered or done. Example: "This type of error is commonly found in software development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

A typical combined salary for a WSL player also on one of 27 "central" England contracts is around £45,000 per annum – peanuts compared to their male peers but an infinite improvement on the £5 match fees commonly paid by leading clubs only a couple of decades ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Other basketball players followed suit and, today, we commonly see basketball shorts four inches [10cm] below the knee (or lower).

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're going to get you tested for polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS," my doctor explained.

The Guardian

It most commonly affects women aged over 50, but can occur in women of all ages.

The Guardian

The last is commonly regarded to have been at Coniston, Northern Territory, in 1928 – notwithstanding the countless other acts of extreme violence (including custodial deaths) inextricably linked to colonialism, that have since been perpetrated against Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian

An interesting little study published this week by the consulting arm of PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the qualities needed in transformational leaders – the sort of strategists capable of rethinking an organisation riddled with cultural and existential problems, like banking after the crash or traditional industries threatened by upstart new rivals – are most commonly found in women over 55.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd hoped that the commonly felt disillusionment with the two main parties would have translated into a more radical shift in voter behaviour, and that both the Greens and Craig Murray would have polled better than they did.

The Guardian - Opinion

While academia can be on occasion adversarial, it is more commonly competitive and political.

The Guardian

Demand for money functions, which had previously seemed stable, commonly broke down once used as an intermediate monetary target.

The Guardian

Kasparov, who held the world chess championship title for 15 years and is commonly regarded as the greatest player the world has yet seen, disputed claims that Putin is popular in Russia, saying propaganda and restrictions on free speech had driven criticism underground.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonly" to describe actions, beliefs, or occurrences that are widespread and generally accepted. For example, "It is commonly believed that..."

Common error

Avoid overusing "commonly" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, stronger verbs and more specific adverbs can add precision and impact. Consider alternatives like "typically", "frequently", or "generally" to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "commonly" functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that an action, state, or quality is generally or frequently observed. As Ludwig AI describes, it denotes a rule or something that occurs frequently. Examples from Ludwig showcase its role in describing widespread occurrences or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "commonly" is a versatile term used to indicate frequent or widespread occurrence, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly within News & Media. While "commonly" is generally appropriate, consider using synonyms like "usually" or "generally" for enhanced precision, especially in formal writing. This ensures that your writing remains both clear and impactful. Examples from Ludwig emphasize its role in conveying shared understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally

Implies a wider acceptance or occurrence than "commonly".

usually

Focuses on typical occurrence, similar to "commonly" but with a slightly different emphasis.

frequently

Highlights the high number of occurrences.

typically

Emphasizes the representation of a standard or type.

ordinarily

Suggests conformity to a regular order or established custom.

in general

Broadens the scope to a more overall perspective.

as a rule

Indicates something that is true in most cases.

widely

Stresses the broad extent or range of something.

on average

Pertains to the typical value calculated over a period.

more often than not

Highlights a tendency rather than a strict rule.

FAQs

How can I use "commonly" in a sentence?

You can use "commonly" to describe something that occurs frequently or is widely accepted. For instance, "This type of error is "commonly" found in software development".

What are some alternatives to "commonly"?

Depending on the context, you can use "usually", "frequently", or "generally" as alternatives to "commonly".

Is it correct to say "most commonly"?

Yes, "most commonly" is a correct and frequently used phrase to indicate the highest frequency among multiple possibilities.

What is the difference between "commonly" and "ordinarily"?

While both words suggest frequency, "commonly" implies widespread occurrence or acceptance, whereas "ordinarily" suggests conformity to a regular order or established custom.