it a common sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The correct version of this phrase is "It is a common sight".
You can use this phrase when describing an instance of something that is seen often or usually in a particular place. For example: "In this small town, the town square is a common sight on summer evenings, bustling with people and activity."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Southern Water has pointed out that the river is not officially designated as a swimming area, but during the summer months, it is a common sight to see people playing and swimming in its water.

The Guardian

It is a common sight in the neighborhood -- too common, some residents say.

The New York Times

It's a common sight in athletic offices at schools around the city.

The Washington Post

It is a common sight in Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital, even today, to come across "amputees" begging for alms.

The Guardian - Opinion

IT IS a common sight in Sweden: a single man trudging behind a pram while shopping or on his way to a nursery.

The Economist

It is a common sight at theatres, sports grounds and other public buildings.Sanitation and women's rights are closely linked.

The Economist

It is a common sight in the countryside since the use of pesticides was curbed and laws were passed to protect birds of prey.

The Economist

It is a common sight to see a wire running over the patio of a home with drying chiles and long ristras of dried ones hanging from hooks.

The Washington Post

"Now it is a common sight to see a gray haze for the valley, especially during the winter months, and city residents venturing out of homes wearing masks".

The Guardian

Page A10 THREAT TO IMMIGRANTS AND THE AGED It is a common sight in Italy: the elderly gentleman or lady strolling, arms linked, with an aide.

The New York Times

There were no religious police in Peshawar to enforce the wearing of the burka as they were doing in Afghanistan, but still it was a common sight.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form, "it is a common sight", to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

A frequent error is leaving out the auxiliary verb 'is' or 'was'. Remember to include it to form a complete and grammatically sound sentence, as in "It is a common sight" or "It was a common sight."

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a statement describing something frequently observed. However, the grammatically incorrect form hinders its ability to effectively convey this meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its incorrectness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it a common sight" is grammatically incorrect due to the omission of the auxiliary verb 'is'. The correct form is "it is a common sight". This phrase is used to describe something that is frequently seen or observed. Due to the lack of correct examples, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase as is should not be used. When writing, always ensure the inclusion of necessary auxiliary verbs to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. This will help to avoid misinterpretations and ensure that your message is conveyed effectively. Consider alternatives such as "it is often seen" or "it is a regular occurrence" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is a common sight

Adds the necessary auxiliary verb 'is' to create a grammatically correct sentence.

It's a typical view

Replaces "common sight" with "typical view", maintaining a similar meaning.

It is frequently seen

Uses a passive construction to convey the common occurrence of something.

It is a regular occurrence

Substitutes "common sight" with "regular occurrence", indicating something that happens often.

It is often observed

Employs "often observed" to express the frequency of seeing something.

It is a familiar scene

Uses "familiar scene" to suggest that something is commonly viewed and recognized.

It is nothing out of the ordinary

Indicates that something is not unusual or uncommon to see.

It is commonplace

Uses the adjective "commonplace" to describe something that is ordinary and frequently seen.

It is a usual spectacle

Replaces "common sight" with "usual spectacle", highlighting the visual aspect of something frequently seen.

It is a standard view

Uses "standard view" to suggest that something is a normal and expected sight.

FAQs

How to correctly use the phrase "it is a common sight" in a sentence?

Ensure the inclusion of the auxiliary verb 'is' to create a grammatically correct sentence. For example, "It is a common sight to see tourists taking pictures here".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is a common sight"?

You can use phrases like "it is often seen", "it is a regular occurrence", or "it is frequently observed".

Why is "it a common sight" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "it a common sight" is grammatically incorrect because it omits the necessary auxiliary verb ('is' or 'was') required to form a complete sentence.

What's the difference between "it a common sight" and "it is a common sight"?

"It a common sight" is grammatically incorrect. "It is a common sight" includes the auxiliary verb 'is', making it a grammatically correct and complete sentence.