which is common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea, action or phenomenon that is widely shared or encountered, or to draw attention to a fact that is generally accepted. For example, "Exercising is an important part of staying healthy, which is common knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cyst has a name, which is common.

The Guardian - Tech

Which is common sense, really, because it spreads the blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think there's probably something underneath which is common.

The Economist

The first symptoms can resemble malaria, which is common.

The Guardian

Then they were killed by a mob in a ritualistic fashion, which is common there".

The Guardian

Billboard and other outdoor advertising went up a month early, which is common for wide releases.

The New York Times

These guys did something else which is common to hackers on hack days – trying something new.

The Guardian

Of course, these figures don't take into account unrecorded consumption which is common and wide-spread.

The Guardian

During the election, there has been violence, which is common in Philippine politics.

The Guardian

His father had seven wives, which is common in the region.

The Guardian

They underestimated the British doctors, and they also overestimated their own talents, which is common.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is common" to provide additional context or explain why something is not surprising or unexpected. For example, "Delays are frustrating, which is common during peak travel times."

Common error

Avoid using "which is common" in sentences where the commonality is already implied. For example, instead of "Breathing is essential for survival, which is common", simply state "Breathing is essential for survival."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is common" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about the preceding noun phrase. It adds context by indicating that something is widely known or frequently occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is common" is a versatile and frequently used relative clause that provides additional context by indicating that something is typical or widespread. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various writing styles, from formal to informal. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where the commonality is already implied. Remember to use alternatives like "that is typical" or "that is prevalent" to add variety to your writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is typical

Replaces "common" with "typical", focusing on the representative nature of something.

that is prevalent

Substitutes "common" with "prevalent", emphasizing widespread existence.

that is widespread

Replaces "common" with "widespread", highlighting extensive distribution.

that is usual

Substitutes "common" with "usual", focusing on normalcy and expectation.

that is frequent

Replaces "common" with "frequent", emphasizing how often something occurs.

that is ordinary

Substitutes "common" with "ordinary", highlighting the unexceptional nature of something.

that is standard

Replaces "common" with "standard", emphasizing conformity to an established norm.

that is established

Substitutes "common" with "established", focusing on long-term existence and acceptance.

that is conventional

Replaces "common" with "conventional", emphasizing adherence to traditional practices.

that is routine

Substitutes "common" with "routine", focusing on its regular occurrence.

FAQs

How do I use "which is common" in a sentence?

Use "which is common" to add extra information or an explanation about something that's generally known or frequently observed. For example, "Getting nervous before a presentation is normal, "which is common"."

What phrases are similar to "which is common"?

Similar phrases include "that is typical", "that is prevalent", or "that is widespread". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "which is common"?

Sometimes, yes. If the commonality is extremely obvious, using "which is common" can be redundant. Choose the phrase only when it adds meaningful context or explanation.

Can "which is common" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "which is common" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated alternative might be more suitable.