in common usage

USAGE SUMMARY

"in common usage" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to words or phrases that are used often and well known among the general public. For example: "The phrase 'reduce, reuse, recycle' is in common usage among environmental activists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Porn producers live in a parallel world, where the crudest, often obscene, language is "flirtatious" and "in common usage".

The Guardian

Coleridge's name Xanadu persisted in common usage.

Britannica

Sadly, some remain in common usage even among good cooks.

The New York Times - Food

This is social expressiveness on the frontier before the word espresso was in common usage.

The Guardian - Film

Wave velocity in common usage refers to speed, although, properly, velocity implies both speed and direction.

Britannica

In common usage, the term extended family has been given a variety of meanings.

Britannica

It is the longest fixed unit of time with a distinct name in common usage.

The New York Times - Magazine

In common usage, the remanent polarization and the irreversible strain are employed as internal variables.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

That's because the term "sense of humor" really wasn't in common usage until the eighteen-sixties and seventies.

The New Yorker

"But such pedantry is frowned upon in common usage, so we are stuck with the equally accepted hippopotamuses and hippopotami".

The Guardian - Sport

In common usage a hearing also refers to any formal proceeding before a court.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, use the phrase "in common usage" to clarify that a term's popular meaning may differ from its technical definition, ensuring clarity and avoiding confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because a term is "in common usage", everyone understands its specific meaning. Always provide context or definitions, especially when dealing with diverse audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in common usage" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, indicating the prevalence or general acceptance of a particular term, definition, or practice. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides ample examples of its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in common usage" serves to denote that a term or concept is widely known and understood, often highlighting a distinction between general understanding and technical definitions. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. It helps to clarify meanings for a broad audience, promoting effective communication by acknowledging prevalent interpretations. Use it to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general use

A more formal and direct synonym, differing mainly in stylistic register.

widely used

Highlights the extensive adoption of something, emphasizing quantity over familiarity.

prevailing use

Highlights the current dominance and widespread occurrence of something.

generally accepted

Focuses on the acceptance aspect, implying widespread agreement or approval, rather than just common use.

regular application

Highlights consistency and frequency of use, rather than just widespread knowledge.

popularly employed

Highlights the popularity of a method or term, suggesting favor and adoption by many.

commonly known

Emphasizes familiarity and awareness among people, rather than just frequency of use.

customary usage

Emphasizes the traditional and habitual nature of the practice or term.

standard practice

Implies that something is not only common but also an established and accepted way of doing things.

conventional application

Focuses on the adherence to established norms and conventions in the use of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "in common usage" to clarify how a word or phrase is generally understood, especially when it differs from a technical or specific definition. For instance, "In common usage, the term 'organic' often refers to foods grown without pesticides, though the legal definition may vary".

What are some alternatives to "in common usage"?

Some alternatives include "widely used", "generally accepted", or "commonly known", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in common usage" if something is already implied to be well-known?

While it might sometimes seem redundant, using "in common usage" can add emphasis or clarity, especially when contrasting a general understanding with a more precise or technical definition. It explicitly signals that you are referring to the popular understanding.

When is it appropriate to use "in common usage" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to distinguish between the general understanding of a term and its more specific, technical, or legal meaning. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity for your audience.