which is commonly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is commonly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that provides additional information about something that is widely accepted or recognized. Example: "The phenomenon, which is commonly observed in nature, can be explained by various scientific theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

smelled bean curd" but which is commonly called "stinky tofu".

The New York Times

Milk thistle's active ingredient is silymarin, which is commonly recommended for liver and gallbladder disorders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Feedstock: Rapeseed, which is commonly used to make biofuel in Europe.

MIT Technology Review

The Planck, which is commonly known as h, connects energy to frequency in quantum mechanics.

The New Yorker

A related issue is the efficiency of swimming which is commonly quantified by the Froude efficiency21.

Nature

This mismatch leads to vertigo, nausea, and at times vomiting, which is commonly known as seasickness.

Harvard University

A substantial number of Ethiopians speak English, which is commonly taught in school.

The Washington Post

Tin Tin is extracted from an ore called cassiterite, which is commonly found alongside coltan, the rock that produces tantalum.

The Guardian

The herring, which is commonly used as bait in lobster traps, was paired with a lobster sauce.

The New Yorker

The St Petersburg law includes amendments introducing stricter punishment for paedophilia, which is commonly conflated with homosexuality.

The Guardian

Birth takes place in a den, which is commonly a burrow abandoned by another animal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is commonly" to introduce nonessential clauses that provide extra, non-restrictive information about a noun. Make sure to set off the clause with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "that" in place of "which" when introducing a nonessential clause. "That" is for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence; "which", with commas, is for adding extra information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is commonly" functions as a relative clause, introducing a nonessential modifier that provides additional information about the preceding noun or phrase. It adds descriptive detail without being crucial to the core meaning of the sentence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is commonly" serves as a versatile tool for adding context and clarity to writing by introducing nonessential information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. It suggests that the information being introduced is generally accepted or known, enhancing reader understanding. When using "which is commonly", remember to set off the clause with commas and avoid confusing it with the restrictive "that". It is a powerful way to enhance comprehension and connect with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is usually

Replaces "which is" with "that is", slightly altering the grammatical structure while maintaining similar meaning. Emphasizes typicality.

that is frequently

Substitutes "commonly" with "frequently", focusing on how often something occurs rather than its broad acceptance.

as is generally

Changes the introductory structure, putting more emphasis on the generality of the following statement.

what is ordinarily

Replaces "commonly" with "ordinarily", indicating standard practice or procedure. Slightly more formal.

as is typical

Shifts the focus to the typicality of the subject, presenting the information as characteristic.

that's often

More conversational, using a contraction and a more direct synonym for "commonly".

that's widely

Focuses on the breadth of occurrence or acceptance rather than frequency or typicality.

what's conventionally

Replaces "commonly" with "conventionally", suggesting adherence to established norms or traditions.

this is traditionally

Introduces a historical or cultural element, indicating that the practice is long-standing.

that is habitually

Replaces commonly with habitually, indicating something is done out of habit or custom.

FAQs

How to use "which is commonly" in a sentence?

Use "which is commonly" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about a noun. For example, "Stinky tofu, "which is commonly" known for its strong odor, is a popular street food in Taiwan."

What can I say instead of "which is commonly"?

You can use alternatives like "that is usually", "that is frequently", or "as is generally" depending on the context.

Is "which is commonly" formal or informal?

"Which is commonly" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing. It is generally considered neutral and widely accepted.

What's the difference between "which is commonly" and "which is usually"?

While both phrases are similar, ""which is commonly"" implies a widespread acceptance or practice, while "which is usually" suggests something that happens most of the time but might not be universally accepted.