too commonly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too commonly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs with excessive frequency or regularity. Example: "The term is too commonly used in everyday conversation, leading to its dilution in meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This right for girls is far too commonly neglected".

The New York Times

Too commonly, the authors say, new ventures are throttled in their cradle.

The New York Times

The main reason for regretting the name was that it was too commonly used (25%).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Too commonly, when the world talks of forced migration, those at the centre of the debate are voiceless in the discussion.

The Guardian

Even if I could not be accused of active complicity, there remains to this day a residue that is all too commonly called joint responsibility.

The New Yorker

Such is the psychological wisdom all too commonly emanating from our world-famous academies, those laboring mountains that bring forth mice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Abstention from personal "bad habits" such as watching television or eating too much sugar is also commonly practised.

Independent

Nietzsche refers to this higher mode of being as "superhuman" (übermenschlich), and associates the doctrine of eternal recurrence — a doctrine for only the healthiest who can love life in its entirety — with this spiritual standpoint, in relation to which all-too-often downhearted, all-too-commonly-human attitudes stand as a mere bridge to be crossed and overcome.

SEP

In this case, it's probable that you're afraid of financial insecurity (survival instinct) or you feel that you're an impostor in your role, the latter an all-too-commonly held false belief in many high-achieving people in the workforce.

WikiHow

Respiratory, hepatic, metabolic systems show a decline too, and neurologic impairment is also commonly observed.

BMC Anesthesiology

Too much exercise (15.6%) and stress (13.2%) were also commonly implicated triggers.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too commonly" to express concern or disapproval about the frequency of an event or situation. It adds a layer of criticism or regret to the statement.

Common error

While "too commonly" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider stronger, more precise synonyms like "frequently", "often", or "repeatedly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too commonly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the frequency of an action or state. It expresses that something occurs more often than desired or expected. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too commonly" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express that something happens more frequently than desired, often with an undertone of disapproval or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English and appears across various sources, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While versatile, writers should be mindful of its critical connotation and consider alternative phrasing like "frequently" or "often" in contexts where a more neutral tone is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all too frequently

Emphasizes the undesirable frequency of something.

excessively frequently

Highlights the extreme frequency of an occurrence.

very often

Focuses on the high frequency of an event, removing the negative connotation of excess.

overly common

Focuses on the excessive commonness of something, without necessarily implying negativity.

more often than not

Indicates that something happens in the majority of instances.

with undue frequency

Emphasizes that the frequency is inappropriate or unwarranted.

all the time

Indicates continuous or near-continuous occurrence.

repeatedly

Highlights the repetition of an event.

on many occasions

Suggests the event has happened multiple times.

as a matter of course

Implies something happens regularly as a standard procedure or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "too commonly" in a sentence?

Use "too commonly" to indicate that something happens more often than is desirable or acceptable. For example, "Mistakes are "too commonly" made in this process."

What are some alternatives to "too commonly"?

Alternatives include "very often", "all too frequently", or "excessively frequently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "all too commonly" instead of "too commonly"?

Yes, "all too commonly" is also correct. It emphasizes the undesirable nature of the frequency even more strongly than "too commonly".

What's the difference between "too commonly" and "commonly"?

"Commonly" simply means something happens often. "Too commonly" implies that the frequency is excessive or undesirable. For example, "It is "commonly" believed" versus "It is "too commonly" overlooked".