this is a common occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a common occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that happens frequently or regularly. Example: "In our line of work, this is a common occurrence, so we need to be prepared for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Sadly, this is a common occurrence for me in rainforests.

The New York Times

This came as a surprise to many, but not to academics – we know that this is a common occurrence.

The Guardian

Child-welfare advocates say this is a common occurrence among children bouncing from placement to placement.

The New York Times

"Though this is a common occurrence in our field of work, the patients we lose are typically old, sick, or some combination of the two.

Independent

This is a common occurrence for many people, mainly in the wake of an office party, but at least they could jab a finger at a globe and hit the right country.

The New Yorker

"This is a common occurrence when a horse loses by a large distance, as she did in her last race," said Dan Silver, a spokesman for the New York Racing Association.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Munday and his brother set up the website after they discovered that this was a common occurrence.

The Guardian - Money

No instances of overreduction or penetration into the joint were encountered with the balloon, whereas this was a common occurrence with conventional metal tamps.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

This was a common occurrence in Orkney at the time as wealthy landowners moved to more lucrative forms of investment.

Wikipedia

At the same time, the Ministry is well aware of this being a common occurrence.

Health Research Policy and Systems

This was a common occurrence in our hands, and was unavoidable without strict monitoring of the pure endothelial cultures (Hida et al, 2004).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a common occurrence" to introduce a fact or situation that readers may find surprising but is, in fact, not unusual. This can effectively set the stage for further explanation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid overusing "this is a common occurrence" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be preferable. Consider using more specific vocabulary to describe the frequency or nature of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a common occurrence" primarily functions as an introductory expression. It sets the stage for explaining a situation, event, or phenomenon that frequently happens. Ludwig AI validates that this usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a common occurrence" is a versatile phrase used to introduce situations that happen frequently and are not considered unusual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science. While it's generally acceptable, consider using more precise language in highly formal settings. The phrase serves to inform the reader that the topic is a regular event, providing context and setting expectations accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this frequently happens

Uses "frequently happens" instead of "common occurrence" for a simpler phrasing.

it's a frequent event

Uses "frequent event" instead of "common occurrence", highlighting the frequency.

this is a regular event

Substitutes "common occurrence" with "regular event", focusing on the routine nature of the event.

it often takes place

Replaces the entire phrase with a more active voice, using "often takes place".

this is typical

Shortens the phrase to a simple statement of typicality.

it's commonplace

Replaces the phrase with the adjective "commonplace", indicating ordinariness.

this is the norm

Indicates that the occurrence is standard or expected behavior.

this is no exception

Implies the situation aligns with general expectations.

it is generally seen

Highlights the widespread observation of the situation.

this is a daily thing

Emphasizes the routine, almost mundane aspect of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is a common occurrence"?

You can use alternatives like "this frequently happens", "it often takes place", or "this is typical" depending on the context.

Is "this is a common occurrence" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "this is a common occurrence" might be considered less formal. In academic writing, consider alternatives like "this phenomenon is frequently observed" or "this is a typical finding" for a more scholarly tone.

What does "this is a common occurrence" mean?

The phrase "this is a common occurrence" means that something happens frequently or regularly. It suggests that the event or situation being described is not unusual or rare.

Can I use "this is a common occurrence" at the start of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "this is a common occurrence". It serves to introduce the idea that what follows is something that happens frequently.