more commonly

USAGE SUMMARY

"more commonly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something was done more frequently than some other action. For example, "More commonly, people prefer to order takeout from restaurants rather than going out for a meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More commonly, the H.M.O.

The New York Times

(More commonly, "famous-faced").

The New York Times

Or, more commonly, vice versa.

The Guardian - Tech

More commonly, however, the layers are blended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has since become more commonly used.

Independent

The disorder occurs more commonly in men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only surgery is more commonly used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More commonly, they favour a disembodied voice.

The Guardian

Crack is more commonly dealt by blacks, and powdered cocaine is more commonly dealt by whites.

The New York Times

More commonly, investors build chalets to sell as second homes.

The New York Times

Such people were once more commonly known as tax protesters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more commonly" to compare the prevalence of two or more actions or states, ensuring clarity by specifying what is less common. For instance, "While direct flights are available, travelers more commonly opt for connecting flights due to cost."

Common error

Avoid using "more commonly" without a clear comparison. For example, instead of saying "This method is more commonly used", specify what it's more commonly used than, such as "This method is more commonly used than the traditional approach because it is more efficient."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more commonly" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which an action, state, or event occurs. It modifies verbs or entire clauses to indicate that something happens with greater frequency than something else. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more commonly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs with greater frequency than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "more commonly", ensure a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""more frequently"" or ""typically"" can be used for variety, but it's important to maintain the comparative context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more frequently

Uses "frequently" instead of "commonly" indicating a high occurrence rate.

more often

A simpler alternative using "often" to express greater frequency.

more usually

Replaces "commonly" with "usually", denoting typicality and frequency.

typically

A concise alternative suggesting a usual or expected occurrence.

generally

Indicates a widespread or common occurrence.

as a rule

Expresses a general principle or common practice.

in most cases

Highlights the prevalence of something in the majority of situations.

on average

Indicates a typical or usual quantity or degree.

for the most part

Suggests that something is true or happens in most instances.

most of the time

Emphasizes the frequency of an event's occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "more commonly" in a sentence?

Use "more commonly" to indicate that something occurs or is done more frequently than something else. For instance, "Complications from the surgery are rare; it's "more commonly" a successful procedure".

What are some alternatives to "more commonly"?

You can use alternatives such as "more frequently", "more often", or "typically" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "most commonly" instead of "more commonly"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "More commonly" implies a comparison between two or more things, while "most commonly" indicates the highest frequency among a group. Choose "most commonly" when describing the single most frequent occurrence.

What's the difference between "commonly" and "more commonly"?

"Commonly" means something is usual or frequent. "More commonly" suggests a comparison, implying that one thing is happening more often than another. For example, "It is "commonly" believed that exercise is good for health", versus "It is "more commonly" prescribed than physical therapy for chronic pain".