ordinary event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that is typical or commonplace, often in contrast to something unusual or extraordinary. Example: "The festival was filled with ordinary events that brought the community together, such as picnics and games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Saulwick selected ordinary people to tell stories of death – what is, ostensibly, an ordinary event.

The Guardian

Someone had been shot, she assumed, a sad but ordinary event here.

The New York Times

Such "assistance" turns extraordinary hardship into an ordinary event and ignores the ordinary folks just getting by, or better.

The New York Times

The woman shouted forhelp before others came over to quietly explain that this was an ordinary event with her.

The New York Times

Outside the Duchess Theatre in London's Theatreland are trucks and trailers denoting that this is no ordinary event.

Independent

Compared with thinking about an ordinary event from autobiographical memory, nostalgic reverie led people to have fewer death-related thoughts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Sly jokes give ordinary events a philosophical twist.

The Economist

The ordinary events of the day come back into focus.

The New York Times

Porumboiu goes in another direction: he wants us to experience the duration of ordinary events.

The New Yorker

Fortunate events like a string of hit movies are most likely to be followed by more ordinary events.

The New York Times - Books

He imagines how a writer in the 21st century will find great significance in the ordinary events of our day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing creatively, use "ordinary event" to highlight how a character perceives something, especially if their perspective is unusual or detached.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary event" when describing something genuinely impactful or emotionally charged. Overusing it can diminish the emotional impact of the situation and make your writing sound detached or sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary event" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'ordinary' modifies 'event'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is used to describe occurrences that are typical, commonplace, or not out of the ordinary, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary event" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to describe something typical, commonplace, or unremarkable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider its impact on the reader, avoiding overuse in emotionally charged situations and remembering that alternatives like "common occurrence" may provide a more nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common occurrence

Emphasizes the frequency and lack of uniqueness of the event.

typical incident

Highlights the event's conformity to a standard pattern or expectation.

regular happening

Focuses on the event's consistent and predictable nature.

everyday affair

Underscores the event's integration into daily life and routine.

routine episode

Suggests the event is part of a predictable sequence or process.

usual circumstance

Presents the event as being in line with typical conditions or situations.

standard situation

Implies the event aligns with accepted or established norms.

garden-variety occurrence

Emphasizes the event's ordinariness and lack of special qualities.

mundane incident

Highlights the event's lack of excitement or interest.

workaday happening

Focuses on the event's association with ordinary, working life.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary event" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary event" to describe something commonplace or typical, such as, "For her, a trip to the grocery store was an "ordinary event", but for him, it was an adventure."

What's the difference between "ordinary event" and "unremarkable event"?

"Unremarkable event" emphasizes the lack of anything noteworthy or special, whereas "ordinary event" simply highlights that it's typical and not out of the ordinary.

What are some alternatives to using "ordinary event" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "common occurrence", "typical incident", or "regular happening".

Is it always appropriate to describe something as an "ordinary event"?

No, consider the context and audience. Describing something as an "ordinary event" when it's perceived as significant by others may come across as insensitive or dismissive.