is a common occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a common occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens frequently or regularly in a particular context. Example: "In urban areas, traffic congestion is a common occurrence during rush hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because the hydraulics overheat, fire is a common occurrence.

The New York Times

Death by fire in the slums is a common occurrence.

The Guardian

Sadly, this is a common occurrence for me in rainforests.

The New York Times

For accordion makers in Castelfidardo, it is a common occurrence.

The New York Times

"I've worked with Aboriginal people for 35 years and racism is a common occurrence".

The Guardian

Joint and seam corrosion is a common occurrence on gutters and downspouts.

The New York Times

It's possible that swooning is a common occurrence at Château Margaux.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The surprise about the teenager's experience is not that it is exceptional, but that it is a common occurrence.

The Guardian

This sense of despair is a common occurrence, I am learning, while reading this five-part medieval fantasy series.

The New Yorker

This came as a surprise to many, but not to academics – we know that this is a common occurrence.

The Guardian

Child-welfare advocates say this is a common occurrence among children bouncing from placement to placement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, ensure the subject preceding "is a common occurrence" is well-defined and specific. For instance, instead of saying "Mistakes is a common occurrence", it is better to use "Making mistakes is a common occurrence".

Common error

Be careful about overuse. While the phrase is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity, as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "happens frequently" or "occurs often".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a common occurrence" functions as a predicative expression. It is used to attribute a quality of frequency or commonality to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a common occurrence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing events or phenomena that happen often. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Analysis reveals that it appears most often in scientific and news media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for a variety of audiences. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in close proximity to maintain varied and engaging prose. For alternatives, consider "happens frequently" or "occurs often" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happens frequently

Emphasizes the frequency of an event directly.

occurs often

Highlights the regularity of an event's appearance.

is frequently observed

Focuses on the observation of an event's commonality.

is a regular event

Presents the event as part of a routine or pattern.

is a frequent event

Highlights that the event happens many times.

is commonplace

Indicates the event is ordinary and unremarkable.

is typical

Suggests the event is representative of a standard case.

is generally seen

Focuses on how often something is noticed or witnessed.

is widely prevalent

Highlights the widespread presence of something.

is habitually practiced

Describes something that is a common practice.

FAQs

How can I use "is a common occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "is a common occurrence" to describe something that frequently happens or is widely observed. For example: "Technical difficulties "is a common occurrence" during live broadcasts."

What are some alternatives to "is a common occurrence"?

Alternatives include "happens frequently", "occurs often", or "is frequently observed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is a common occurrence"?

Yes, "is a common occurrence" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal and informal contexts. It follows standard English grammar rules.

What's the difference between "is a common occurrence" and "is typical"?

"Is a common occurrence" indicates frequency, while "is typical" suggests that something represents a standard example. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, "is typical" emphasizes representativeness, not just frequency. For instance, a flat tire on a well-maintained car "is not typical", even if flat tires in general "is a common occurrence".