it is commonly used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is commonly used" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is frequently or widely used in a particular context. Example: In academic writing, it is commonly used to include sources and citations to support your arguments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it threatens to outgrow its space, it will respond well to regular pruning (it is commonly used for bonsai).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is commonly used in over-the-counter medications, too.

The New York Times - Sports

It is commonly used as a wood preservative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is commonly used to make up the minimum wage payment to cleaners and kitchen porters.

The Guardian - Books

It is commonly used in dialysis and in many types of surgery.

The New York Times - Health

Along with gold, it is commonly used to make computer chips.

The Guardian

It is commonly used for automobile windshields and in airports, museums, sound studios, schools, greenhouses and large public arenas.

The New York Times - Health

As a pesticide, it remains available in other countries, including Pakistan, where it is commonly used to cull feral dogs.

The Guardian

It is commonly used in menudo (tripe stew) or posole (hominy and pork stew).

The Economist

However, it is commonly used at more informal meals, between family and friends.

The Economist

(The Inuit prefer that term rather than Eskimo, and it is commonly used in Canada).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is commonly used", ensure that the context clearly specifies what "it" refers to. Vague references can confuse readers.

Common error

Avoid using "it is commonly used" in sentences where the common usage is already implied. For example, instead of saying "Because it is commonly used, many people know about X", consider "Many people know about X" as the fact that they know implies it's commonly used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is commonly used" functions as an impersonal construction used to describe the widespread or frequent application of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, making it suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is commonly used" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to indicate the widespread application or practice of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Ludwig's examples reveal its prevalence across diverse fields, particularly in science and news media. While versatile, writers should ensure contextual clarity and avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "it is widely employed" offer a more formal tone, whereas "it's a common practice" simplifies the phrasing. In essence, "it is commonly used" serves as a reliable and accessible way to convey general usage, adaptable to various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is widely employed

This alternative suggests a broad and extensive use, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is normally used

This alternative implies that the use is typical or standard, differing slightly in suggesting an expected practice.

it is regularly utilized

This option emphasizes the systematic and consistent nature of the use, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

it is frequently applied

This alternative focuses on the application of something, suggesting a practical use that is common.

it's a common practice

This alternative shifts the phrasing to be more concise and direct, suitable for less formal contexts.

it is habitually used

This alternative emphasizes that the action of using something is a habit.

it is standard practice

This option directly states that the use is a typical procedure, simplifying the phrasing for clarity.

it is often practiced

This phrase highlights the habitual or repeated nature of the use, suitable when describing customs or routines.

it is customarily used

This phrase indicates that the use is according to custom or tradition, adding a cultural or historical dimension.

it is generally accepted

This phrase implies that something is widely approved or believed, rather than simply used, changing the focus slightly.

FAQs

How can I use "it is commonly used" in a sentence?

You can use "it is commonly used" to describe something that is frequently or widely used in a particular context. For instance, "In academic writing, it is commonly used to include sources and citations to support your arguments."

What can I say instead of "it is commonly used"?

You can use alternatives like "it is widely employed", "it is generally accepted", or "it is frequently applied" depending on the context.

Is "it is commonly used" formal or informal?

"It is commonly used" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist if a higher level of formality is required.

Which is correct, "it is commonly used" or "it commonly used"?

"It is commonly used" is grammatically correct. "It commonly used" is missing the auxiliary verb "is" and is therefore incorrect.