commonplace activity

USAGE SUMMARY

"commonplace activity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an everyday activity or task that is familiar, expected, or unoriginal. For example, "Making lunch is a commonplace activity for school children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

THOUGH an entirely commonplace activity, walking has long rewarded contemplation.

The Economist

The credits can also be resold, a commonplace activity in the arena of corporate compliance with federal environmental rules.

The New York Times

Last weekend, in London, Ms. Risa discovered that a commonplace activity — shooting photos of an event in order to chronicle it live on Twitter — proved out of place at her own crawl.

The New York Times - Books

Fueling some optimism, Mr. Bryant, the Intel executive, said the company was not as concerned as it had been about having orders canceled -- a commonplace activity that causes high-tech companies to modify their projections -- and, in this case, was a sign that business was stabilizing.

The New York Times

University of Vermont biologists Bernd Heinrich and Rachel Smolker describe a commonplace activity among ravens (Corvus corax): snowboarding.

BBC

Security inspections are becoming a commonplace activity in locations ranging from airports to museums and shopping malls.

Journal of Air Transport Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

These commonplace activities wouldn't be worth recording if they weren't enthrallingly photographed (by Gergely Poharnok) with an eye that marvels at the vibrancy of matter itself.

The New York Times

As others crowned him the king of the postseason after his near-perfect performance against the Green Bay Packers, Warner spent Monday reveling in the commonplace activities of fatherhood.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, he provides illustrations of a visual vernacular of framing, costume, design, light, gesture, and performance that reduce the world of movies to their lowest common denominator, the stylization and falsification of commonplace activities in the interest of narrative drama.

The New Yorker

But in his ruling, the judge said that even commonplace activities could take on a different meaning within the context of a camp where leaders made inflammatory remarks about destroying "Rome," which the judge concluded was a euphemism for Canada and the United States.

The New York Times

It's awesome in practice, eliminating friction in one of the most commonplace activities you perform in Mail.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonplace activity" when you want to emphasize that something is a normal, expected, and unremarkable part of everyday life. For instance, "Taking the bus is a commonplace activity for urban residents".

Common error

While "commonplace activity" is generally acceptable, consider using more specific and descriptive language in formal writing to provide greater clarity and impact. Instead of saying "Research is a commonplace activity for scientists", specify the type of research or its purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonplace activity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or pursuit that is ordinary, expected, and not particularly remarkable. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commonplace activity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes actions or pursuits that are ordinary and unremarkable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression suitable for various contexts. While generally neutral, consider more specific language in formal writing. Related phrases include "routine task" and "everyday action". Be mindful of overusing the phrase and opt for more descriptive terms when appropriate. The phrase is found across various sources including news, science, and wikis, demonstrating its versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyday action

Highlights the frequency and ordinariness of the activity.

routine task

Emphasizes that the activity is part of a regular sequence or habit.

habitual exercise

Highlights that the activity is a regular habit or routine.

typical pursuit

Replaces "activity" with a synonym that highlights the action's typical nature.

familiar endeavor

Indicates that the activity is well-known and often experienced.

regular undertaking

Suggests that the activity is performed consistently and reliably.

ordinary task

Substitutes both "commonplace" and "activity" with words that emphasize the mundane or regular nature of the action.

customary practice

Implies that the activity is a widely accepted or traditional way of doing something.

usual occupation

Indicates a common way of spending time or effort.

standard procedure

Emphasizes that the activity is a prescribed or expected way of doing things.

FAQs

How can I use "commonplace activity" in a sentence?

You can use "commonplace activity" to describe something that is normal, ordinary, and frequently done. For example: "Checking email has become a "commonplace activity" for many people."

What phrases are similar to "commonplace activity"?

Alternatives include "routine task", "everyday action", or "ordinary task", each conveying a sense of normalcy and frequency.

Is "commonplace activity" formal or informal?

The phrase "commonplace activity" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more specific language might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What is the difference between "commonplace activity" and "unusual activity"?

"Commonplace activity" refers to something typical and expected, while "unusual activity" suggests something out of the ordinary or unexpected. They are antonyms.