commonly used for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'commonly used for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a particular purpose that is generally associated with a certain thing. For example, "The word 'apple' is commonly used for describing a popular type of fruit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

–What kinds of trees are most commonly used for lumber?

The New York Times

Thankfully these days Devil's Rock is more commonly used for climbing.

The Guardian - Travel

The body panels are steel, not the plastic commonly used for low-volume models.

The New York Times

The method is the one most commonly used for pets, sometimes in combination with a sedative.

The New York Times

Though more commonly used for treating heroin withdrawal, methadone is also a very effective analgesic.

The New York Times - Health

The word "patriot" is commonly used for Adams & other early geniuses.

The New Yorker

Today, bone marrow transplants are commonly used for a wide variety of conditions.

The New York Times

Treatment is with drugs more commonly used for epilepsy, or surgery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The septenarius was commonly used for dialogue in comedies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thin, hammered sheet gold was commonly used for Nazca ornamentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An engine commonly used for irrigation pumps is attached.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commonly used for", ensure that the subject is indeed widely recognized for that purpose. Provide context or examples to support the claim and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is "commonly used for" a purpose without verifying its actual prevalence. Overstating the commonality can mislead readers. Always have evidence and real world data to be 100% objective and neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly used for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a typical or widely recognized purpose. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a generally accepted application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonly used for" serves as a versatile tool for denoting the typical or intended function of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing a purpose generally associated with a particular thing. It is frequently encountered in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, showcasing its widespread applicability. To enhance your writing, ensure that when you use "commonly used for", the association is generally known and accepted, preventing overgeneralizations. If seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "typically employed for" or "primarily intended for" to add nuance. In conclusion, "commonly used for" is a reliable and clear way to convey the established purpose of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily intended for

Focuses on the main purpose or design of something.

typically employed for

Replaces "commonly" with "typically" and "used" with "employed", adding a slightly more formal tone.

generally utilized for

Substitutes "commonly" with "generally" and "used" with "utilized", resulting in a more formal and technical phrasing.

mostly dedicated to

Implies a strong commitment or specialization towards a particular purpose.

frequently applied to

Shifts the focus to the application rather than the usage, implying a more active role in the process.

widely adopted for

Highlights the widespread acceptance of a practice or method for a particular purpose.

regularly implemented for

Emphasizes the routine nature of using something for a specific task.

ordinarily reserved for

Indicates that something is typically set aside or intended for a specific purpose.

conventionally assigned to

Suggests a customary or traditional association between something and its purpose.

customarily designed for

Highlights the customary design aspects that are related to a specific end use.

FAQs

How can I use "commonly used for" in a sentence?

You can use "commonly used for" to describe the typical application of something, such as: "This type of software is "commonly used for" data analysis."

What are some alternatives to "commonly used for"?

Some alternatives include "typically employed for", "generally utilized for", or "primarily intended for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "commonly used to" instead of "commonly used for"?

While "commonly used to" can be grammatically correct, it usually implies a past habit or state. "Commonly used for" is more appropriate when describing the purpose or function of something.

What's the difference between "commonly used for" and "frequently used for"?

"Commonly used for" implies a generally recognized or typical purpose, while "frequently used for" simply means it's used often, without necessarily being the primary or intended purpose.