somewhat common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs with moderate frequency or is not rare. Example: "While the phenomenon is somewhat common in urban areas, it is less frequently observed in rural settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somewhat common, indeed.

The New York Times

It is considered somewhat common.

The New York Times

Most of them are somewhat common sense.

The New York Times

He laughed it off as a somewhat common occurrence.

The New York Times

"It used to be reserved for the very affluent, but it's becoming somewhat common now".

The New York Times

MADE THE "A" LIST, a somewhat common phrase, is also making its debut here.

The New York Times

Sadly, however, it must be noted that this whole thing exposes the Eton-fruggers as being (deep breath) somewhat common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pellet stoves, somewhat common in Hudson Valley, burn wood pellets that are dropped into a cone, he said.

The New York Times

After some panicked Googling, I discovered that this glitch is a somewhat common bug now plaguing iPhone owners.

The New York Times

Says Mr. Buhl, "What we have done, to young men, mostly, is destroy their lives, for somewhat common behavior".

The New York Times

This story, like so many others, shows how García Márquez's famously unbridled imagination was also used to depict somewhat common yet unbearable realities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat common", ensure the context provides a clear comparison point. For instance, specify what the subject is common compared to, enhancing clarity and preventing ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat common" to describe events that are actually rare or exceptional. Ensure your assessment of frequency aligns with available evidence to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat common" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It qualifies the degree to which something is common, indicating a moderate level of prevalence. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and widespread use of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that signifies a moderate level of prevalence. As Ludwig AI points out, it appears across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that the assessed frequency of the described event aligns with the evidence to maintain credibility, while also providing a clear comparison point to avoid ambiguity. Overall, it serves to set audience expectations regarding the subject's frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively frequent

Focuses more on the occurrence rate rather than how commonplace something is.

fairly typical

Emphasizes that something aligns with what is expected or normal.

moderately prevalent

Highlights the degree to which something exists or is distributed.

reasonably widespread

Indicates that something is distributed over a considerable area or among many people.

quite usual

Suggests that something happens often and isn't surprising.

partly ordinary

Indicates something that aligns with what is expected or normal, but with a qualifier.

somewhat standard

Highlights that something aligns with what is expected or normal.

kind of general

Indicates something that is not highly specific or detailed.

relatively routine

Emphasizes that something happens often and isn't surprising.

slightly conventional

Indicates that something aligns with what is expected or normal, but to a limited degree.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat common" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat common" to describe something that happens or exists with moderate frequency. For instance, "While not rare, such occurrences are only "somewhat common" in this region".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat common"?

Alternatives include "fairly typical", "moderately prevalent", or "relatively frequent", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "somewhat common" or "very common"?

The choice depends on the actual frequency. Use "somewhat common" if the occurrence is moderate but not rare. Use "very common" if the occurrence is highly frequent.

What's the difference between "somewhat common" and "relatively common"?

"Somewhat common" suggests a moderate level of occurrence without a specific comparison. "Relatively common" implies a comparison to something else. For example, "It's "somewhat common"" versus "It's "relatively common" compared to other methods".