ordinary ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to common or typical items, people, or situations in a general context. Example: "While some people prefer luxury items, I find joy in the ordinary ones that bring comfort and familiarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Primary hepatic GISTs had no characteristics to distinguish them from ordinary ones on CT and MRI scans and also regarding histopathological findings.

Surgical Case Reports

Hegel paints a disturbing picture of the historical tendency of great men to "trample" on and use ordinary ones, but he thinks great men are ultimately tools as well of Spirit and its self-realization (1988, 35).

SEP

We have been living in extraordinary times and the Fed wants to move back to more ordinary ones.

The Guardian - Business

Bt crops, on the other hand, can produce higher yields than ordinary ones, under certain circumstances.

The Economist

But the mood quickly soured when it turned out that many households on the "time of use" rate plan actually paid more than ordinary ones.

The Economist

I prefer Walkers ordinary ones.

The Guardian

But hardly any ordinary ones fit the bill.

The Economist

Managing hedge funds will become as boring as managing ordinary ones.

The Economist

Although the sheets varied in size, ordinary ones measured about five to six inches wide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— BUILDING great supercars is easy; it's getting the ordinary ones right that's tough.

The New York Times

The researcher described in the article says the transgenic tomatoes taste the same as ordinary ones.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary ones" when you want to emphasize that something is typical or lacks special qualities. For example, when comparing items, experiences, or people to those that are exceptional or unique.

Common error

While "ordinary ones" is widely understood, consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "typical examples" or "standard instances" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary ones" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It refers to items, people, or situations that are common or typical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ordinary ones" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote common or typical entities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, its appropriateness varies across contexts, being more suited to neutral or informal settings like news articles and general discussions than formal academic papers. When in doubt, alternatives like "common ones" or "typical examples" may provide a more precise or polished tone. The phrase sees a high frequency in News & Media, followed by Science and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common ones

Direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of uniqueness or special quality.

typical ones

Highlights that something conforms to a standard or expected pattern.

regular ones

Implies a lack of exceptional features or deviations from the norm.

standard ones

Emphasizes adherence to a recognized standard or specification.

usual ones

Focuses on the habitual or customary nature of something.

average ones

Suggests a position in the middle of a range, without particular distinction.

run-of-the-mill ones

Indicates a lack of originality or special qualities.

garden-variety ones

Similar to 'run-of-the-mill', but with a slightly more informal tone.

conventional ones

Highlights adherence to established customs or practices.

mundane ones

Emphasizes the lack of excitement or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinary ones" to refer to common or typical items, people, or situations. For example: "These apples are just the "ordinary ones" you find in any grocery store."

What is a synonym for "ordinary ones"?

Some synonyms for "ordinary ones" include "common ones", "typical ones", or "regular ones". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "ordinary ones" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ordinary ones" may sound too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "standard instances" or "typical examples".

What's the difference between "ordinary ones" and "exceptional ones"?

"Ordinary ones" refers to items or people that are typical or unremarkable, while "exceptional ones" refers to those that are outstanding or unusual. For example, "Most students are "ordinary ones", but a few are truly exceptional".