the common refrain

USAGE SUMMARY

"the common refrain" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It usually refers to a phrase or saying that is frequently repeated, almost to the point of becoming cliché. For example, "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is a common refrain among those who strive to make a difference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What's next?" was the common refrain.

The Washington Post

"I'm going to beat this," was the common refrain.

The Guardian

"The common refrain went like this," Mr. Barofsky writes.

The New York Times

"Her best show ever," was the common refrain.

The New York Times

But Mr. Krafcik said the common refrain was: "Don't you guys get it?

The New York Times

"Go now before it changes" is the common refrain but Cuba is already changing.

The Guardian - Travel

"The common refrain that this is simply how business is done overseas is no defence.

The Guardian - Business

The common refrain "nothing we do matters unless China acts" is moot.

The Guardian

The common refrain among foreign investors these days is "wait and see".

The New York Times

Meanwhile Mrs Cacan airs the common refrain that "guns won us our rights".

The Economist

"They get the dollars, and we get the bullets," is the common refrain among Pashtuns critical of the government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the common refrain" when you want to emphasize that a particular statement or idea is frequently repeated, often to the point of being predictable or commonplace. It's effective in highlighting widely held beliefs or recurring arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "the common refrain" too often in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the common refrain" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, introducing a statement or idea that is frequently repeated or widely held. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the common refrain" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a frequently repeated statement or idea. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically sound and broadly applicable, appearing most often in news and media contexts. While it's a useful tool for highlighting widespread sentiments, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions to maintain variety and impact in your writing. Understanding its function and purpose allows for effective communication across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring theme

Focuses on the repetition of a central idea or subject, rather than a specific phrase.

a familiar assertion

Highlights the well-known nature of a statement, implying widespread agreement or acceptance.

the usual response

Emphasizes that it is typical reaction in some specific context.

a frequently voiced opinion

Stresses the regular expression of a belief or viewpoint.

the prevailing sentiment

Captures the overall mood or attitude that is widely shared.

a popular saying

Points out a well-known and often-used proverb or expression.

a well-worn phrase

Suggests the expression is overused and perhaps cliché.

the standard line

Indicates an official or widely accepted explanation or justification.

the general consensus

Highlights the agreement or shared understanding among a group of people.

a repeated claim

Focuses on the act of asserting something multiple times, regardless of its validity.

FAQs

How can I use "the common refrain" in a sentence?

You can use "the common refrain" to introduce a statement that is frequently repeated or a commonly held belief. For example, "The common refrain among investors is that the market is overvalued".

What are some alternatives to "the common refrain"?

You can use alternatives like "a recurring theme", "the prevailing sentiment", or "a frequently voiced opinion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the common refrain" a formal or informal expression?

"The common refrain" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific tone you want to achieve when using it.

What's the difference between "the common refrain" and "a popular belief"?

"The common refrain" refers to a statement or phrase that is frequently repeated, while "a popular belief" refers to an idea that is widely accepted. While they can overlap, "the common refrain" emphasizes the repetition of the phrase itself, whereas "a popular belief" emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the idea.