most commonly cited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most commonly cited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to sources, studies, or references that are frequently mentioned or referenced in a particular context. Example: "The study by Smith et al. (2020) is one of the most commonly cited works in the field of environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most commonly cited cause?

The New York Times

Perhaps the most commonly cited example is airline tickets.

The New Yorker

Expense was the second most commonly cited reason.

The Guardian - Business

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that blue is the most commonly cited favourite colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In fact, a completion date of of 2011 is the one most commonly cited.

The New York Times

When their parents were asked why, they most commonly cited moral and spiritual reasons.

The New York Times

The most commonly cited reason is that masseurs are stronger and can deliver a deeper massage.

The New York Times

The most commonly cited server utilization is 10%.

Forbes

The most commonly cited impact is deforestation, i.e., the clearance of forest or woodland.

Energy for Sustainable Development

The most commonly cited precursor for this type of index is Stock and Watson (1991).

SERIEs

PC specialties were the most commonly cited first-choice of our students, followed by SS specialties.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most commonly cited" when you want to emphasize the popularity or frequency of a particular source or idea in a specific field or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "most commonly cited" in broad, unsubstantiated claims. Always provide specific examples or data to support the assertion that something is indeed the most commonly cited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most commonly cited" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that is frequently referenced or mentioned, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is often used to highlight the prominence or significance of a particular source or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most commonly cited" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the frequency with which a source or idea is referenced. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various fields. While it's essential to use this phrase accurately, providing context and supporting evidence, its widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for highlighting key information. Remember that while synonyms exist, "most commonly cited" specifically denotes frequency in citation, a nuance that other alternatives may not capture as precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most frequently mentioned

Focuses on the act of mentioning rather than citing, implying a more general reference.

most often referred to

Emphasizes the act of referring, suggesting a slightly less formal context.

most widely referenced

Highlights the breadth of references, indicating a greater distribution across sources.

predominantly cited

Implies a dominance in citation frequency, suggesting a clearer leader.

chiefly mentioned

Indicates the primary item being mentioned, with a slightly more formal tone.

primarily referenced

Similar to 'chiefly mentioned' but focusing on references rather than mentions.

generally cited

Suggests widespread citation, implying a common understanding or agreement.

commonly alluded to

Emphasizes indirect references or allusions, rather than direct citations.

regularly cited

Focuses on the consistency of citations, suggesting a routine occurrence.

conventionally cited

Indicates that the citation is done according to established conventions or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "most commonly cited" in a sentence?

You can use "most commonly cited" to refer to something that is frequently mentioned or referenced. For example, "The study by Smith (2020) is the "most commonly cited" paper in this field."

What are some alternatives to "most commonly cited"?

Alternatives include "most frequently mentioned", "most often referred to", or "most widely referenced". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the most cited" instead of "most commonly cited"?

While "the most cited" is grammatically correct, "most commonly cited" is generally preferred because it explicitly indicates frequency of citation, avoiding ambiguity. "The most cited" could imply a higher quality rather than simply a higher frequency.

What's the difference between "most commonly cited" and "widely known"?

"Most commonly cited" refers to the frequency with which a source or idea is referenced in formal contexts, whereas "widely known" refers to something generally recognized or familiar, regardless of formal citations. Therefore, it's possible that a concept can be "widely known" without being the "most commonly cited".