it was a common practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a common practice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a behavior or action that was frequently done or accepted in a particular context or time period. Example: "In the early 20th century, it was a common practice for children to work in factories during the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The bird was named for its similarity in colouration to the European magpie; it was a common practice for early settlers to name plants and animals after European counterparts.

Wikipedia

In fact, it was a common practice for many anorexics.

The Guardian - Books

"It was a common practice in the 18th century".

The New York Times

Neighborhood residents said it was a common practice.

The New York Times

We know, that in the past it was a common practice.

The Guardian - Music

Solomons's scrapbook may sound obsessive today, but it was a common practice at the time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But it's a common practice now.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a common practice in politics.

The New York Times

It's a common practice known as "de-contenting".

The New Yorker

It's a common practice here I guess".

The New York Times

It is a common practice among Clem's friends.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was a common practice", ensure the context clearly establishes the time period or specific situation to which the practice applies. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a common practice" without specifying the relevant group or time. Saying "it was a common practice" without further context can lead to misinterpretations, as practices vary across different contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a common practice" functions as a statement indicating that a particular action, behavior, or custom was widely and regularly performed or observed in a specific time or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was a common practice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe past behaviors and customs. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of this phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, the phrase conveys that a particular action was widely accepted or prevalent during a specific time. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the relevant time frame or context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include phrases like "it was standard procedure" or "it was the norm", depending on the desired nuance. By providing historical context and avoiding overgeneralizations, writers can effectively use this phrase to enrich their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was the norm

Condenses the phrase to 'it was the norm', emphasizing that the action was the standard or expected behavior.

it was standard procedure

Replaces 'common practice' with 'standard procedure', implying an official or formal routine.

it was a matter of course

Indicates that the action was routine and expected, without needing special consideration.

it was a customary action

Substitutes 'common practice' with 'customary action', highlighting tradition or established norm.

it was typical behavior

Replaces 'common practice' with 'typical behavior', stressing that the action was characteristic or representative.

it was a widespread habit

Substitutes 'common practice' with 'widespread habit', suggesting the action was ingrained or generally adopted.

it was a usual activity

Replaces 'common practice' with 'usual activity', focusing on the act itself being typical.

it was the done thing

Emphasizes social convention, suggesting the action was what people typically did or considered proper.

it was generally accepted

Shifts the focus to acceptance, indicating that the action was widely approved or tolerated.

it was a frequent occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the event, highlighting that the action happened often.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a common practice" in a sentence?

Use "it was a common practice" to describe actions widely done or accepted in a specific time or place. For instance, "In the 19th century, "it was a common practice" for families to gather around the piano for entertainment".

What are some alternatives to "it was a common practice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was standard procedure", "it was the norm", or "it was typical behavior". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is a common practice" instead of "it was a common practice"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It was a common practice" refers to something that occurred regularly in the past, whereas "it is a common practice" refers to something that occurs regularly in the present.

What's the difference between "it was a common practice" and "it was a frequent occurrence"?

"It was a common practice" implies a habitual or established way of doing something. "It was a frequent occurrence" simply means something happened often, without necessarily being a deliberate practice. For example, in the past "it was a common practice" to write letters, while power outages "it was a frequent occurrence" during storms.