commonly used phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"commonly used phrase" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a phrase that is frequently used or well-known among a group of people. Example: "The saying 'actions speak louder than words' is a commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of one's actions over their words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

last great / (last& gra\t&) / commonly used phrase signifying a place that has retained a rare quality, e.g., "I just had the most amazing journey in Namibia, one of Africa's last great wildernesses".

The New York Times - Style

In June, he said: "The time has come in the English-speaking world to stop using Islamic State, Isis or Isil, and instead we and our media should use Daesh as the commonly used phrase across the Middle East".

The Guardian

Elsewhere we have described the resulting embryo as a 'three-genome embryo' in a challenge to the more commonly used phrase of 'three parent babies' (Haimes and Taylor 2015).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Confusion concerning fitness is not surprising as 'survival of the fittest' is the most commonly used phrase drafted into everyday speech from the theory of evolution (Smith and Sullivan 2007).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

A commonly used phrase to tell someone to enjoy their meal.

Huffington Post

Perhaps not always but there's a reason why it is a commonly used phrase.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Learn useful phrases - Learning commonly used phrases will help you hold basic conversations and help you in a time of need.

WikiHow

Liking the BBC's research on the most commonly used phrases at the Leveson inquiry.

The Guardian

They commonly used phrases like "this rebellion" and "the great rebellion".

The New York Times

Bad news for the Pope in a new study tracing the most commonly used phrases over the past five hundred years.

The New Yorker

By Andrea DenHoed July 26 , 2012Bad news for the Pope in a new study tracing the most commonly used phrases over the past five hundred years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commonly used phrase", ensure the context clearly indicates why the phrase is widely known or relevant to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid assuming all readers are familiar with the "commonly used phrase". Provide context or explanation if your audience may not recognize it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly used phrase" functions as a meta-commentary device. It's used to describe and categorize other phrases, indicating their prevalence and recognition within a language or specific context. It often serves to introduce a well-known expression that will be further analyzed or discussed. Ludwig provides multiple examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commonly used phrase" serves as a descriptive term to identify widely recognized expressions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and functions to highlight shared linguistic understanding. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, showing a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity for all readers and consider alternative expressions to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently employed expression

Focuses on the act of employing the expression, highlighting its active use.

often cited expression

Emphasizes the frequency with which the expression is referenced.

widely adopted term

Highlights the broad acceptance and integration of the term.

generally accepted wording

Focuses on the overall acceptance and correctness of the wording.

pervasive idiom

Emphasizes the widespread presence and influence of the idiom.

prevalent expression

Highlights the widespread presence and commonness of the expression.

regularly utilized phrase

Focuses on the routine and habitual use of the phrase.

customary saying

Emphasizes that the saying is traditional and habitual.

standard expression

Highlights that the expression is normal and conventional.

conventional term

Focuses on the adherence to established norms and practices.

FAQs

How can I integrate "commonly used phrase" into my writing?

Use "commonly used phrase" to introduce a well-known expression, providing context or analysis for your audience. For example: "The "survival of the fittest" is a "commonly used phrase" from evolutionary theory."

What alternatives can replace "commonly used phrase"?

Consider using terms like "frequently employed expression", "widely adopted term", or "generally accepted wording" to add variety to your language.

Is it necessary to define a "commonly used phrase" when writing?

While many will recognize a "commonly used phrase", briefly defining it can ensure clarity and comprehension, especially for diverse or less familiar audiences.

How can I identify if a phrase is truly "commonly used"?

Check reputable sources, such as dictionaries, style guides, or corpora, to confirm the phrase's frequency and widespread recognition before labeling it as a "commonly used phrase".