common usage

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   the way most people normally use a word, phrase, or language feature.

   Grammar: Uncountable: say 'in common usage', not 'a common usage' when you mean the general practice.

   Patterns

   • in common usage
   • common usage of something
   • according to common usage

   In common usage, 'less' is often used with countable nouns, even though some style guides object.

   The phrase 'going forward' has become common usage in business meetings.

   Dictionaries record changes in common usage over time.

2. 2nouncountable

   a particular meaning or phrase that many people regularly use.

   Grammar: Countable when you mean one specific habitual use: 'a common usage of this word'.

   Patterns

   • a common usage of something
   • one common usage

   One common usage of 'bank' refers to a place for money.

   This dictionary lists several common usages of the word.

Word forms

Common combinations

in common usage

The expression is now in common usage.

become common usage

The abbreviation has become common usage.

according to common usage

According to common usage, we say 'on the weekend' in American English.

common usage of a word

The common usage of 'literally' has changed.

Synonyms and how they differ

standard usage

'Standard usage' suggests the accepted correct form, while 'common usage' simply describes what most people do.

general use

'General use' is broader and can refer to any kind of use, not just language.

Opposites

Word family

usage noun

the way words are used, or the amount of something used.

use verb

to employ something for a purpose.

usual adjective

happening or done most of the time.

Commonly confused: common usage or common use?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “common usage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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