is common for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is common for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is frequently observed or occurs regularly in a particular context or situation. Example: "It is common for people to feel nervous before giving a presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"This is common for abusive people".

The New York Times

It is common for relationships to develop during maths Olympiads.

The Guardian

So it is common for executives to hold those shares.

The New York Times

This further suggests why periodic arousal is common for hibernators.

The New York Times - Science

A military background is common for the participants.

The New York Times - Sports

It is common for musical instruments to have symbolic significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But such a feeling is common for male spiders.

The Economist

Apparently, it is common for them to make house calls.

The New York Times

None of that is common for metal festivals.

The New York Times - Arts

Company-sponsored insurance is common for working-age Americans.

The Economist

"In Russia, it is common for poor and rich to live in the same building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is common for", ensure the context is clear and the statement is supportable with evidence or general knowledge. Avoid using it for niche or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "is common for" to make sweeping generalizations without sufficient basis. Instead of saying "it "is common for" teenagers to be rebellious", provide specific examples or data to support the claim, or rephrase to indicate a trend rather than a universal truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is common for" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that a particular occurrence, trait, or behavior is typical or frequently observed within a certain context. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples to demonstrate its broad application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is common for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something occurs frequently or is typical within a specific context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles, although careful consideration should be given to avoid overgeneralizations. Ludwig's examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian show that it is used across diverse fields, including news, science, and general knowledge. While many alternatives exist, such as "is typical for" or "is usual for", "is common for" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to convey frequency or typicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is typical for

Emphasizes the representative nature or expected behavior within a certain category.

is usual for

Focuses on the habitual or expected occurrence in a given situation.

is characteristic of

Highlights the defining traits or qualities associated with a particular subject.

is frequently found in

Indicates the common presence or observation within a specific environment or context.

is often the case with

Suggests a recurring pattern or circumstance that frequently happens.

is generally true of

Implies broad applicability or accepted fact regarding a subject or group.

is not unusual for

Indicates that something, while not necessarily frequent, does not deviate from the norm or expectation.

is a regular occurrence in

Highlights the consistent and predictable nature of an event or phenomenon.

is to be expected in

Expresses an anticipation or expectation based on prior knowledge or understanding.

is fairly typical in

Indicates a moderate level of typicality within a specific context or setting.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is common for" is used to describe something that frequently occurs or is typical in a particular context. For example, "It "is common for" people to feel nervous before public speaking."

What can I say instead of "is common for"?

You can use alternatives like "is typical for", "is usual for", or "is characteristic of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "is common for" in formal writing?

Yes, "is common for" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or nuanced phrase, such as "is frequently found in" or "is generally true of", might be more appropriate for your specific context.

What's the difference between "is common for" and "is commonplace for"?

"Is common for" suggests a frequent occurrence, while "is commonplace for" implies something is so frequent it's unremarkable or ordinary. The latter carries a stronger sense of ubiquity.