commonplace existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonplace existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life that is ordinary, unremarkable, or typical, often lacking excitement or uniqueness. Example: "After years of chasing dreams, he found himself settling into a commonplace existence, far from the adventures he once sought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere commonplaces of existence.

The New Yorker

My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence.

The New York Times - Arts

This is exactly what Griffith (1926, p. 28) had in mind when he suggested that movies "lift [viewers] out of commonplace existence, and bear them … to realms of adventure and romance".

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

HT 13C-fluxomics workflows have not yet become commonplace, despite the existence of several HT tools at each of the required stages.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

In contemporary biology it is commonplace to explain the existence of the stripes of a tiger, or the hollow bones of a bird, by pointing to the function of these features.

SEP

Many of Pascal's intuitions about the contingency of human existence were a commonplace in the period, especially among Calvinist theologians (Rivet, 1651).

SEP

Malebranche accepted the Cartesian commonplace that consciousness reveals immediately the existence of the soul.

SEP

What they've developed in their own movies is a perception of the commonplace workings of a business and social existence in which the people most worth caring about are cheerlessly stranded, trapped in solitude by their needs and wants.

The New Yorker

The most profound mysteries of existence, in other words, are also the most commonplace, and thus, the easiest to ignore when they aren't actually happening to us or someone we love.

Vice

The existence of multiple forms of intelligence has become a commonplace, but however much elite universities like to sprinkle their incoming classes with a few actors or violinists, they select for and develop one form of intelligence: the analytic.

The New York Times

The procedure is so commonplace that 1.5% of the babies born in Western Europe, North America and Australia owe their existence to the technology.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commonplace existence", consider the emotional tone you want to convey. It can suggest contentment, resignation, or even a subtle critique of societal norms.

Common error

While "commonplace existence" is acceptable, it can sound slightly informal or literary in very formal writing. Consider more direct alternatives like "ordinary life" or "standard practice" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonplace existence" functions as a noun phrase, where "commonplace" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "existence". As Ludwig AI highlights, it generally describes something ordinary.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonplace existence" refers to an ordinary, unremarkable life. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. While versatile, it's important to consider the emotional tone when using it, as it can convey different nuances depending on the context. Alternatives like "mundane existence" or "ordinary life" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Although the phrase is understood and usable, its frequency is low. Therefore, adapting the phrase to the specific requirements of a particular text should be a careful editorial consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mundane existence

Replaces "commonplace" with "mundane", emphasizing the boring or routine aspect.

ordinary life

Uses a more direct and simple term, "ordinary", to convey the lack of uniqueness.

routine existence

Focuses on the repetitive and predictable nature of the life.

typical life

Highlights the conformity to a standard or norm.

uneventful life

Emphasizes the lack of significant events or excitement.

banal existence

Substitutes "commonplace" with "banal", stressing the lack of originality.

everyday existence

Highlights the daily, unremarkable nature of the life.

unchanging life

Focuses on the lack of variation or progress.

workaday world

Implies a life dominated by work and routine tasks.

regular life

Underscores the consistency and predictability.

FAQs

What does "commonplace existence" mean?

The phrase "commonplace existence" refers to a life that is ordinary, unremarkable, and lacking in excitement or unique experiences. It suggests a routine and predictable way of living.

What can I say instead of "commonplace existence"?

You can use alternatives like "mundane existence", "ordinary life", or "typical life" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "commonplace existence" in a sentence?

You can use "commonplace existence" to describe a character's life, a societal trend, or a personal feeling about one's own life. For example, "He longed to escape his commonplace existence and seek adventure abroad."

Is "commonplace existence" a positive or negative term?

The term's connotation depends on the context. It can be neutral, simply describing a lack of excitement. However, it can also be used negatively to express boredom or dissatisfaction, or positively to suggest contentment with a simple life.