in a common situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a common situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scenario or context that is typical or frequently encountered. Example: "In a common situation, people often feel nervous before giving a presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The sisters are in a common situation, said Helga's lawyer, Andrew Towner of East Hampton.

The New York Times

Mrs. Barry was in a common situation, said Margaret Keaveney, communications director for Catholic Charities.

The New York Times

In a common situation, the thieves strike while a train is at a station platform.

The New York Times

"When people are put in a common situation of shock and anxiety, they bond or affiliate in a way that signals empathy," he said.

The New York Times - Style

In a common situation, users find themselves within weeks being asked by Apple to pay $20 for an additional 10 gigabytes, then weeks later $20 more for yet another 10 gigabytes, and still more weeks later topping out at $100 a year for the 50-gigabyte level.

The New York Times - Tech

In 2004, Erin Grover found herself in a common situation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If your stocks and mutual funds have fallen in value, a common situation this year, consider selling them at a loss and donating the proceeds to charity.

The New York Times

We could not perfectly match intervention and control facilities as demonstrated by differences in baseline characteristics, a common situation in group randomized trials with small numbers of groups.

BMC Health Services Research

In fact, this is a common situation in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in children.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

In particular, the method is developed for cases when traditional measurements cannot be performed due to difficulties in accessing the surface; a common situation in engineering and research practice.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

In fact, this situation gave an opportunity to study the genetic control of arthritis in aged multiparous females, a common situation in human RA.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a common situation" to introduce a scenario familiar to your audience, enhancing clarity and relatability. For example: "In a common situation, students feel stressed before exams."

Common error

Avoid using "in a common situation" excessively in formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and specific language to describe the context. For instance, instead of "In a common situation in research...", specify "A frequent challenge in epidemiological studies is..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a common situation" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing context about the circumstances. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in setting the stage for a particular event or condition. It can also be considered an introductory phrase to a main clause.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a common situation" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a scenario that is frequently encountered or generally known. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase sets the stage for explaining typical events across diverse fields such as Science and News & Media. While versatile, it is essential to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts and choose more precise language when specificity is needed. The phrase helps create relatability and shared understanding, making it a valuable tool in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a typical scenario

Replaces 'common' with 'typical', emphasizing the standard nature of the situation.

in a frequent case

Substitutes 'situation' with 'case', highlighting the occurrence rate.

under normal circumstances

Changes the focus to standard conditions rather than a specific situation.

in a usual context

Replaces 'situation' with 'context', which broadens the scope to include surrounding factors.

as is often the case

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate something that regularly happens.

in many instances

Emphasizes the multiple occurrences of similar events.

on numerous occasions

Highlights that the situation happens repeatedly.

as a general rule

Shifts the focus to a widely applicable principle rather than a particular situation.

in most circumstances

Similar to 'under normal circumstances' but broader in scope.

typically

A concise adverb replacing the entire phrase to indicate commonality.

FAQs

How can I use "in a common situation" in a sentence?

You can use "in a common situation" to introduce a scenario that is frequently encountered or widely known. For example: "In a common situation, people often feel nervous before giving a presentation."

What are some alternatives to "in a common situation"?

You can use alternatives like "in a typical scenario", "under normal circumstances", or "as is often the case" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "in a common situation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in a common situation" may sound too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more specific or precise language to enhance clarity and credibility.

What's the difference between "in a common situation" and "in a similar situation"?

"In a common situation" refers to a scenario that generally occurs, while "in a similar situation" points to a specific scenario comparable to another previously mentioned.