very common

USAGE SUMMARY

"very common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used to describe anything that is widely seen, known, or accepted.
For example, you could say "Telling white lies is very common in certain situations".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very common.

The New Yorker

A very common error.

The New York Times

"PCOS is very common.

The Guardian

They're very common statements.

The New Yorker

It's very common".

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's very common".

The New York Times

"It is very common".

The New York Times

And it's very common.

The New Yorker

Abortions are very common.

The Guardian

Very common in women's soccer".

The New York Times - Sports

Caesarean sections were very common.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very common", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is being described as prevalent. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "very common" as a generic intensifier without providing evidence or context. Instead, support the claim with data or specific examples to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very common" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "common". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used. It serves to describe the high frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon, characteristic, or occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

14%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very common" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjectival modifier signifying high frequency or prevalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to emphasize the widespread nature of something across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions. While generally neutral, formal settings may warrant synonyms like "highly prevalent". To enhance credibility, it's best practice to support claims of prevalence with specific examples or data. The ubiquity of "very common" in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and versatility in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly observed

Emphasizes that something is a typical or expected occurrence.

highly prevalent

Implies a widespread existence or occurrence, similar to "very common" but with a slightly more formal tone.

typically found

Indicates that something is usually present in a specific context or situation.

frequently encountered

Highlights the regularity with which something is experienced or observed.

regularly occurring

Highlights the habitual or scheduled nature of an event or phenomenon.

widely recognized

Indicates broad acceptance or awareness, shifting the focus from frequency to acknowledgement.

extensively used

Emphasizes the widespread application or utilization of something.

generally accepted

Focuses on the widespread agreement or belief in something, rather than just its frequency.

often seen

Simple and direct, emphasizing visual prevalence.

universally known

Suggests that almost everyone is aware of something, implying widespread knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "very common" to describe things that occur frequently or are widely observed. For example, "Anxiety disorders are "very common"" or "Car accidents are "very common" in Iran".

What are some alternatives to "very common"?

Alternatives to "very common" include "highly prevalent", "widely recognized", and "frequently encountered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "very common" in formal writing?

While "very common" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "highly prevalent" or "commonly observed" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

How can I make my use of "very common" more impactful?

Provide specific examples or supporting data when using "very common". For instance, instead of saying "Mistakes are "very common"", you could say "Mistakes are "very common", with studies showing that 80% of users make at least one error per session".