is not uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

'is not uncommon' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express that something happens more often than someone might think. For example, "It is not uncommon for young children to struggle to read in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Accident is not uncommon.

The Economist

Shoplifting is not uncommon.

The New York Times - Health

Wilmington's experience is not uncommon.

The New York Times

But it is not uncommon.

The New York Times

His situation is not uncommon.

The New York Times

This phenomenon is not uncommon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Petty vandalism is not uncommon.

The Guardian

Her history is not uncommon.

The New York Times - Health

"Your reaction is not uncommon.

The New Yorker

Dale's experience is not uncommon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police intervention is not uncommon.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not uncommon" to gently introduce a fact or situation that might seem surprising but actually occurs with some regularity. This can soften potentially alarming or unexpected information.

Common error

Avoid using "is not uncommon" when describing genuinely exceptional or rare events. Ensure the situation has a degree of regularity to justify the phrase's use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not uncommon" functions as an understated assertion of frequency. It's used to indicate that a particular event, situation, or characteristic occurs more often than one might initially believe. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not uncommon" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey that something happens more often than one might initially expect. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage spans various contexts, with a primary presence in News & Media sources. It functions as a neutral-to-formal way to introduce potentially surprising information or normalize situations. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure the situation has a degree of regularity to justify the use of understatement, while also avoiding its application to truly rare or exceptional instances. Consider alternatives like "is fairly typical" or "is reasonably frequent" to fine-tune the meaning you wish to impart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not infrequent

Uses a double negative to affirm that something occurs with some regularity, similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

is fairly typical

Replaces "not uncommon" with "typical", suggesting the occurrence is within expected norms but might be slightly more frequent.

is a common occurrence

Rephrases to emphasize the event's commonness, indicating it happens often.

is reasonably frequent

Substitutes "not uncommon" with "frequent", focusing on the occurrence rate rather than its unexpectedness.

is quite usual

Uses "usual" to convey the idea that something aligns with common practices or expectations.

is rather widespread

Emphasizes the extensive presence or distribution of something, making it not localized or unique.

is often observed

Highlights that something is frequently seen or noticed, shifting focus to observation.

is to be expected

Suggests that something is predictable or anticipated under certain conditions.

is nothing out of the ordinary

Implies that something is unremarkable and aligns with the routine or normal, downplaying any surprise.

is hardly surprising

Indicates that something isn't shocking, due to its likelihood or previous occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "is not uncommon" in a sentence?

Use "is not uncommon" to suggest that something is more frequent than one might expect. For example, "It "is not uncommon" for students to feel stressed during exams".

What is a good substitute for the phrase "is not uncommon"?

Alternatives to "is not uncommon" include "is fairly typical", "is reasonably frequent", or "is quite usual" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is not uncommon"?

Yes, the phrase "is not uncommon" is grammatically correct. It employs a double negative to affirm that something is somewhat frequent.

What's the difference between "is not uncommon" and "is rare"?

"Is not uncommon" suggests something occurs with some regularity, while "is rare" implies it happens infrequently. They represent opposite ends of the frequency spectrum.