commonly said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly said" can be correctly and effectively used in written English.
It can be used to emphasize an opinion that is widely shared. For example, "It is commonly said that practice makes perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here's eight of the most commonly said things that would be better left unsaid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sex scandals are commonly said to be "about" something else — lying, usually.

The New Yorker

It is commonly said that she saved her career by playing openly sexual women.

The New Yorker

In May it's commonly said that "no matter what you do, [the work] never ends".

The Guardian

"It is commonly said that drinking among young people has decreased in recent years," he said.

The Guardian

In Shintō it is commonly said that "man is kami's child".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, there are commonly said to be three main functional coronary arteries rather than two.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He did not, contrary to what is commonly said about this historic moment, pose the photograph beforehand.

The New York Times - Books

(Ages 4 to 6) IT is commonly said that a great children's book has appeal for adults too.

The New York Times - Books

Redistricting, it is commonly said, allows elected officials to choose their voters, instead of the other way around.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Here are some commonly-said phrases which no one should really say because a rider doesn't want to hear it and they aren't helpful.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonly said" to introduce viewpoints widely accepted but not necessarily proven. This softens the assertion while acknowledging its prevalence.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "commonly said" without providing evidence or further explanation. While it acknowledges common sentiment, it doesn't substitute for well-supported arguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly said" functions as an introductory phrase to attribute an idea, opinion, or statement to a general consensus, as evidenced in the examples provided by Ludwig. It highlights that the ensuing statement is not necessarily the speaker's own view but something widely accepted or circulated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commonly said" is a versatile tool for introducing widely held beliefs or opinions in writing. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys a 'very common' frequency across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While useful for acknowledging shared viewpoints, it's important to substantiate claims rather than relying solely on common sentiment. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it serves to introduce shared knowledge or beliefs, often setting the stage for further discussion. Be mindful of its neutral register and consider stronger alternatives for highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a common saying

Refers specifically to a popular adage or proverb, which may not always be 'said' in formal contexts.

widely acknowledged

Indicates broad acceptance or recognition of a fact or idea, emphasizing agreement more than mere saying.

generally believed

Focuses on the prevalent belief surrounding a topic, rather than the act of stating it.

frequently expressed

Highlights the repeated articulation of a thought or sentiment, rather than its commonality.

often stated

Emphasizes the frequency with which something is asserted, differing from common knowledge.

typically remarked

Indicates a usual or expected comment in a certain situation.

universally recognized

Implies a global understanding or acceptance, a stronger assertion than simply being 'commonly said'.

conventionally articulated

Highlights the adherence to established norms in expressing an idea.

customarily voiced

Suggests the expression is a matter of custom or habit, adding a cultural dimension.

ordinarily declared

Denotes a statement made in a normal or routine manner, without implying widespread agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "commonly said" in a sentence?

You can use "commonly said" to introduce a widely held belief or opinion. For example, "It is commonly said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

What are some alternatives to "commonly said"?

Alternatives include "widely acknowledged", "generally believed", or "often stated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "commonly said" or "it is said"?

"Commonly said" implies a wider acceptance than "it is said". "It is said" can suggest a rumor or a saying attributed to an unknown source, while "commonly said" indicates a widespread consensus.

How formal is the phrase "commonly said"?

"Commonly said" has a neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider stronger alternatives that highlight the validity or reliability of the information.