was commonplace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was commonplace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was widely accepted or frequently encountered in the past. Example: "In the early 20th century, the use of horse-drawn carriages was commonplace in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was commonplace".

Independent

Discrimination was commonplace.

The New Yorker

Torture was commonplace.

The Guardian

ONCE, insider trading was commonplace.

The Economist

By 1918, single-reduction gearing was commonplace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the industrial revolution it was commonplace.

Independent

Servitude was commonplace in Qing society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It was commonplace at the time.

The Guardian

But in the Old Testament polygamy was commonplace.

The New Yorker

By that time acceptance of black players was commonplace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, criticism of the Paris Opera's mainstream repertory was commonplace.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was commonplace" to highlight a contrast between past and present situations, emphasizing how things have changed over time. For example, "While horse-drawn carriages were commonplace in the 19th century, they are now a rare sight".

Common error

Avoid using "was commonplace" without specifying the relevant context or time frame. Saying something "was commonplace" without further clarification can leave the reader wondering when or where it was common, reducing the impact and clarity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was commonplace" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a condition or state of being in the past. It serves to describe something as ordinary, typical, or frequently occurring during a specific period. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage examples show its role in setting historical or contextual background.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Huffington Post

9%

Independent

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was commonplace" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something ordinary or frequently occurring in the past. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, it serves to provide context and establish normalcy. While alternatives like "was typical" or "was usual" exist, "was commonplace" offers a slightly more formal tone suitable for diverse writing contexts. Remember to provide specific context to enhance clarity. This phrase helps bridge the gap between historical events and modern understanding by illustrating what was once considered ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was typical

Replaces "commonplace" with "typical", focusing on the representative nature of the situation.

was usual

Substitutes "commonplace" with "usual", emphasizing the habitual or expected nature of the occurrence.

was the norm

Expresses that something "was commonplace" by stating it "was the norm", indicating that it was the expected standard.

was frequent

Replaces "commonplace" with "frequent", highlighting the high occurrence rate.

was prevalent

Replaces "commonplace" with "prevalent", emphasizing the widespread existence of something.

was ordinary

Substitutes "commonplace" with "ordinary", indicating a lack of exceptional qualities.

was routine

Substitutes "commonplace" with "routine", focusing on the habitual and expected nature.

was standard

Replaces "commonplace" with "standard", highlighting that something conformed to a norm.

was the order of the day

Replaces "commonplace" with an idiomatic expression indicating that something was typical or expected at a particular time.

was nothing out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the lack of exceptional qualities or surprise, similar to saying something "was commonplace".

FAQs

What does "was commonplace" mean?

The phrase "was commonplace" means something was ordinary, frequent, or widely accepted in a particular time or place. It suggests that the subject was not unusual or remarkable within the given context.

What can I say instead of "was commonplace"?

You can use alternatives like "was typical", "was usual", "was frequent", or "was ordinary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "was commonplace" in a sentence?

Use "was commonplace" to describe something that occurred frequently or was widely accepted in a specific context. For example: "In the 19th century, it "was commonplace" for families to have many children."

Is "was commonplace" formal or informal?

"Was commonplace" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for use in academic writing, news articles, and professional contexts. Simpler alternatives like "was common" might be preferred in very informal settings.