commonly

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   usually or most of the time; in a way that happens often.

   Grammar: An adverb; it often comes before an adjective or past participle: 'commonly found'.

   Patterns

   • commonly used
   • commonly known as
   • commonly found in

   This plant is commonly found in wet areas.

   The disease is commonly seen in older adults.

   That word is commonly used in informal speech.

2. 2adverb

   by many people; widely.

   Grammar: Often used with passive verbs to show that many people do something.

   Patterns

   • commonly called
   • commonly referred to as

   The building is commonly called the Old Mill.

   This method is commonly referred to as the scientific method.

Common combinations

commonly used

This is a commonly used phrase.

commonly known as

The area is commonly known as the North End.

commonly found

These birds are commonly found near lakes.

commonly called

It is commonly called a 'shooting star'.

commonly associated with

The color red is commonly associated with danger.

Synonyms and how they differ

usually

'Usually' is more neutral and focuses on the normal case; 'commonly' stresses that many people or instances do it.

often

'Often' means frequently but not always; 'commonly' can suggest a general pattern or widespread practice.

frequently

'Frequently' is more formal and often used with actions; 'commonly' is more about general occurrence.

Opposites

Word family

common adjective

happening often or shared by many.

commonness noun

the state of being common.

Commonly confused: commonly or common?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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