Better Alternatives to “Common”

Better Alternatives to “Common” (with Meanings and Example Sentences)

The word common is one of the most overused words in English. Learners use it to talk about problems, mistakes, habits, beliefs, and situations. Better Alternatives to “Common”

But common is very vague. It can mean many different things:

• something happens often
• something is normal
• something is shared by many people
• something is not special
• or something is rude or low-class

In B2 and C1 exams (B2 First & C1 Advanced), vague words make your writing sound basic. Examiners prefer clear, precise vocabulary.

Let’s look at better alternatives to common, grouped by meaning.

Common = happening often

Frequent

Meaning: happening many times or often.

It is frequent for students to make this mistake in the first exercise.

Widespread

Meaning: existing in many places or among many people.

Online shopping has become widespread in recent years.

Prevalent (more formal)

Meaning: common in a particular group, place, or situation.

Stress is prevalent among people who work long hours.

Recurring

Meaning: happening again and again over time.

This is a recurring problem that the company still hasn’t solved.

Routine

Meaning: happening as part of normal daily life.

Checking emails first thing in the morning is part of my routine.

Regular

Meaning: happening often and at fixed times.

We have regular meetings every Monday.

 

Common = normal or usual

Usual

Meaning: what normally happens.

Let’s meet at the usual café after work.

Standard

Meaning: accepted as normal or correct.

It is standard practice to confirm your booking by email.

Typical

Meaning: showing what is normal for a person or situation.

That’s typical of him — he always forgets his keys.

Customary

Meaning: traditional or expected in a particular society.

It is customary to tip waiters in many countries.

Conventional

Meaning: following what is traditional or expected.

They decided to have a conventional wedding.

Ordinary

Meaning: not special or different.

It was just an ordinary day at work.

Common = shared by many people

Widely held

Meaning: believed by many people.

It is a widely held belief that money does not guarantee happiness.

Shared

Meaning: felt or owned by more than one person.

They have a shared interest in travel and photography.

Universal

Meaning: true or experienced by almost everyone.

The fear of making mistakes is almost universal among learners.

Collective

Meaning: belonging to or done by a group.

The team worked hard to achieve a collective goal.

Popular

Meaning: liked or supported by many people.

This is a popular opinion among young people.

Common = not special, boring, or low quality

Basic

Meaning: simple and not very advanced.

His explanation was too basic to be helpful.

Run-of-the-mill

Meaning: ordinary and not interesting or special.

It’s a run-of-the-mill romantic film — nothing special.

Mediocre

Meaning: not very good, but not very bad either.

The hotel was fine, but the food was mediocre.

Unremarkable

Meaning: not interesting or worth special attention.

The film was pleasant but unremarkable.       

Plain

Meaning: simple and without decoration.

She was wearing a plain black dress.

Common = rude or not refined

Crude

Meaning: rude, offensive, or not polite.

That joke was crude and completely inappropriate.

Vulgar

Meaning: very rude or without good taste.

His comments online were vulgar and unnecessary.

Coarse

Meaning: rude in speech or behaviour.

He has a coarse sense of humour.

Tasteless

Meaning: offensive or showing bad judgement.

Making fun of someone’s accent is tasteless.

Exam tip (B2 First & C1 Advanced)

❌ This is a common problem in big cities.

✅ This is a widespread problem in big cities.

✅ This is a recurring issue in large cities.

More precise words = higher-level English.

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