commonplace occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonplace occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that happens frequently and is considered normal or typical. Example: "In urban areas, traffic jams are a commonplace occurrence during rush hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The bedtrick may not really be a commonplace occurrence, but it is a commonplace preoccupation.

The New York Times - Books

Is it the size that often makes a commonplace occurrence into a sweet narrative?

The New York Times

He was quite matter-of-fact, as if his Test match ordeal was a commonplace occurrence for a wrist spinner.

The Guardian - Sport

Panasenko accused the human rights advocates of preparing and distributing "statements, papers and reports" demonstrating "torture is a commonplace occurrence in Russian institutions".

The Guardian

But in general the Broadway debut of a television or movie actor has now become a commonplace occurrence, even if anxieties about the ultimate consequences of this strategy — Steve Carell as Richard III? — could keep you up at night.

The New York Times

Fluid leaks in hydraulic and lubricating systems are a commonplace occurrence in much mechanical equipment, and they are undesirable events fuelling increased cost of any manufacturing and equipment maintenance activity.

Rubber Seals for Fluid and Hydraulic Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"On the other hand, he has an instinctive interest in the commonplace occurrences unique to Mexico".

The New York Times - Arts

These acquisitions have no doubt helped to transform full-scale, bust-down-the-door raids on homes and businesses from red-alert rarities, reserved for life-threatening scenarios, to commonplace occurrences.

The New Yorker

Among the coastal communities sickness from chemical exposure, suicides, depression, bankruptcy, and involuntary relocation/evacuations are now commonplace occurrences.

Huffington Post

Simester et al said that this could have wide-reaching consequences, but it is unlikely to be taken to include commonplace occurrences (relationship breakups, verbal cruelty, broken promises) – in Burstow, the conduct included a prolonged and intense campaign of harassment.

Wikipedia

Lack of furniture, books, equipment, poor or no recreation facilities, no running water or sanitation, classrooms in a state of ill-repair and a general lack safe spaces for children, especially girls, are commonplace occurrences.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonplace occurrence" to emphasize that something is not unique or surprising due to its frequency. It's suitable when you want to downplay the significance of an event by highlighting its ordinariness.

Common error

While "commonplace occurrence" is acceptable, in highly formal or academic contexts, consider using a more concise and impactful alternative like "prevalent event" or "frequent phenomenon" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonplace occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or situation that happens frequently and is considered ordinary or typical. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commonplace occurrence" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe events that are neither rare nor surprising. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, often serving to de-emphasize the novelty of an event by highlighting its regularity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while it's not the most frequently used phrase, its various alternatives provide options for more concise or formal writing. When writing, be aware of the context and aim for conciseness by considering alternatives such as "frequent event" or "typical incident" if appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Common event

Replaces "occurrence" with the more general term "event".

Frequent happening

Substitutes both "commonplace" and "occurrence" with synonyms emphasizing frequency.

Typical incident

Uses "typical" to highlight the normality of the event.

Regular phenomenon

Employs "phenomenon" to denote a more observable or noteworthy event that is still routine.

Everyday event

Focuses on the daily nature of the occurrence.

Usual circumstance

Highlights that the situation is not out of the ordinary.

Routine affair

Indicates the event is managed or dealt with as a matter of course.

Widespread situation

Emphasizes how broadly the event manifests.

Normal incidence

Highlights that the event is considered within the bounds of normal expectations.

Prevailing situation

Suggests the event is not only normal but currently dominant or in effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "commonplace occurrence" to describe events that are frequent and not unusual, such as, "In this city, traffic congestion is a "commonplace occurrence" during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to "commonplace occurrence"?

Alternatives include "frequent event", "typical incident", or "regular phenomenon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "commonplace occurrence" formal or informal?

The phrase "commonplace occurrence" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in most contexts, more concise alternatives may be preferable in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "common occurrence" and "commonplace occurrence"?

"Common occurrence" simply means something happens often. "Commonplace occurrence" emphasizes that it's so frequent it's unremarkable or expected, adding a subtle nuance of ordinariness.