is so common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is so common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to signify that something is widely or frequently encountered. For example: "Texting while walking is so common that you can often see people doing it on a city street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No wonder depression is so common.

The New York Times

CS That envy is so common.

The New York Times - Style

It is so common it is almost cliche.

The Guardian - Arts

It is so common that it is almost invisible.

The New York Times - Health

You can see why the argument is so common.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Are you surprised the operation is so common now?

The New York Times - Sports

This is so common it's a programmer joke.

The New York Times

Since hatred is so common you get these big swings.

The New York Times

This is so common that it is called "Campbell's Law" in social science and economics.

Harvard University

How is it possible that such a devastating genetic disease is so common in some populations?

University of California, Berkeley

The trope is so common it's even the subject of an ESPN commercial.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is so common" to emphasize the widespread nature of a phenomenon or behavior. It helps set context and build understanding for the reader.

Common error

While "is so common" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider stronger synonyms like "prevalent" or "ubiquitous" for enhanced impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is so common" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something occurs frequently or is widely prevalent. It's used to establish the prevalence of a subject, as seen in Ludwig examples, where various phenomena, from depression to bicycle theft, are described as widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

21%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is so common" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the widespread occurrence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, the choice of stronger synonyms like "prevalent" or "ubiquitous" might be preferable in formal settings. As showcased by Ludwig, mastering its appropriate use can significantly enhance your writing's clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is commonplace

Offers a single-word alternative, "commonplace", with similar meaning.

is very prevalent

Replaces "common" with "prevalent", emphasizing widespread existence.

is the norm

Suggests that something "is so common" it is standard or typical.

is extremely widespread

Intensifies the extent of being common using "extremely widespread".

is fairly universal

Indicates a high degree of commonality, implying near-global occurrence.

is a frequent occurrence

Shifts from describing something as common to describing it as a frequent event.

is typical

A concise alternative that suggests something is representative or usual.

is widely recognized

Focuses on the general awareness or acknowledgment of something.

is a familiar sight

Highlights the commonplace and recognizable nature of something.

is all too familiar

Indicates a negative connotation of being common, often implying unpleasantness.

FAQs

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

You can use "is so common" to describe things that occur frequently or are widely observed. For example, "Online shopping "is so common" that many stores now offer delivery services."

What are some alternatives to "is so common"?

Alternatives include "is very prevalent", "is extremely widespread", or "is commonplace", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is so common" formal or informal?

"Is so common" is generally considered neutral and can be used in most contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider more sophisticated synonyms.

Is there a negative connotation to the phrase "is so common"?

The phrase itself is neutral, but context can give it a negative connotation, especially when describing undesirable situations. The phrase "is all too familiar" often suggests an unpleasant reality.