it was commonplace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was commonplace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was widely accepted or frequently encountered in a particular context or time period. Example: "In the early 2000s, it was commonplace for people to use flip phones instead of smartphones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were "structured wire transfers" whereby "it was commonplace in the CDC accounts for round-number wire transfers to be made on the same day or in close succession, by the same wire senders, for the … same account".

The Guardian

During the industrial revolution it was commonplace.

Independent

"It was commonplace at the time.

The Guardian

It was commonplace for jeans brands like Calvin Klein and No Excuses.

The New York Times

"It was commonplace for Malcolm to come in and hurl abuse at the minister," Iannucci recalled.

The New Yorker

In the early days of probability, it was commonplace for even great mathematicians to make mistakes.

The New York Times

Before, it was commonplace for the midwives to work holding a torch between their teeth.

The Guardian

It was commonplace to see three or four police bludgeoning one cornered demonstrator.

The Guardian

Before then, it was commonplace to run barefoot or in flat shoes or sandals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In earlier elections it was commonplace for parties to be led by ancients.

The Guardian - Books

Until 2013, it was commonplace for Apple to help the government extract data from locked iPhones.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was commonplace" to effectively describe past trends or practices that are no longer as prevalent, adding context to historical narratives or analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "it was commonplace" when describing contemporary situations. This phrase suggests something was common in the past but is no longer necessarily so. For present-day scenarios, use phrases like "it is common" or "it is typical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was commonplace" functions as a descriptor, indicating that something was a common or typical occurrence in a particular time or context. Ludwig provides many examples of its use in historical or descriptive narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was commonplace" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe something that was common or typical in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding its application to current events. Consider alternatives like "it was typical" or "it was usual" for nuanced expression. As noted by Ludwig, using the right phrases allows for more precise and compelling communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was typical

Replaces "commonplace" with "typical", focusing on the usual nature of the occurrence.

it was usual

Substitutes "commonplace" with "usual", highlighting the habitual aspect.

it was customary

Emphasizes that the action was following an accepted custom or practice.

it was the norm

Indicates that the action was the standard or expected behavior.

it was generally accepted

Highlights that the idea, behavior, or situation was widely approved or recognized.

it was a common practice

Focuses on the action being a standard or regular procedure.

it was widely prevalent

Suggests the widespread existence or occurrence of something.

it was a regular occurrence

Stresses the repeated nature of the event.

it was the order of the day

Implies that something was the prevailing trend or standard at the time.

it was standard practice

Indicates that the action was an established and accepted method or procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "it was commonplace" in a sentence?

You can use "it was commonplace" to describe something that was widely accepted or frequently encountered in a particular context or time period. For example, "In the 1950s, "it was commonplace" for families to have only one car".

What's a good alternative to "it was commonplace"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "it was typical", "it was usual", or "it was customary".

Is it correct to say "it is commonplace"?

Yes, "it is commonplace" is grammatically correct. However, it suggests the action is happening in the present. Whereas, ""it was commonplace"" refers to something common in the past.

What is the difference between "it was commonplace" and "it was widespread"?

"It was commonplace" implies something was a normal occurrence or accepted practice. "It was widespread" indicates something was widely distributed or prevalent, but not necessarily considered normal.