Common vs Frequent: Which Should You Use In Writing?

When it comes to language, choosing the right word can make all the difference in the world. This is especially true when it comes to words that are similar in meaning, such as “common” and “frequent.” While these two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, there are actually some key differences between them that are worth exploring.

It’s important to note that both “common” and “frequent” can be used to describe things that occur often or regularly. However, there are some subtle differences in how these words are typically used.

Generally speaking, “common” is used to describe things that are widespread or prevalent. For example, you might say that it’s common for people to use smartphones these days, or that it’s common for restaurants to offer vegetarian options on their menus. In other words, “common” is often used to describe things that are widely accepted or expected.

On the other hand, “frequent” is typically used to describe things that happen often or repeatedly. For example, you might say that you frequent a particular coffee shop because you go there often, or that you’ve been experiencing frequent headaches lately. In other words, “frequent” is often used to describe things that happen with a high degree of regularity.

While these definitions may seem straightforward, there are plenty of nuances to explore when it comes to using these words correctly. Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key differences between “common” and “frequent,” and offer some tips for using them effectively in your writing.

Define Common

Common refers to something that occurs often or is widely known and easily found. It is a term used to describe things that are prevalent or ordinary in nature. Common can be used to describe things that are shared or experienced by a large number of people or things. For example, common cold is a viral infection that affects many people, while common sense is a basic level of practical knowledge that most people possess.

Define Frequent

Frequent refers to something that happens repeatedly or occurs at regular intervals. It is a term used to describe things that happen often, but not necessarily shared by a large number of people or things. Frequent can be used to describe things that happen with a certain degree of regularity, such as frequent flyer miles earned by traveling regularly on an airline. It can also refer to actions or behaviors that occur often, such as frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of germs.

Here is a table to summarize the differences between common and frequent:

Common	Frequent
Occurs often or is widely known	Happens repeatedly or occurs at regular intervals
Prevalent or ordinary	Not necessarily shared by a large number of people or things
Shared or experienced by a large number of people or things	Happens with a certain degree of regularity

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be a challenge, especially when two words seem to have similar meanings. One such pair of words is common and frequent. While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their usage that can affect the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

How To Use “Common” In A Sentence

The word “common” is used to describe something that is widespread or generally found in a particular place or among a particular group of people. It can also be used to describe something that is ordinary or unremarkable.

Here are some examples of how to use “common” in a sentence:

• It is common for people to experience jet lag after a long flight.
• Herbs and spices are a common ingredient in many recipes.
• It is not uncommon for teenagers to feel misunderstood by their parents.

Notice that in each of these examples, “common” is used to describe something that is typical or expected. It is not used to describe the frequency of an event or occurrence.

How To Use “Frequent” In A Sentence

The word “frequent” is used to describe something that happens often or occurs repeatedly. It can also be used to describe someone who visits a particular place or person regularly.

Here are some examples of how to use “frequent” in a sentence:

• She is a frequent traveler and has visited over 20 countries.
• He has been experiencing frequent headaches lately.
• The restaurant is a popular spot for frequent diners.

Notice that in each of these examples, “frequent” is used to describe the frequency of an event or occurrence. It is not used to describe something that is typical or expected.

By understanding the subtle differences between “common” and “frequent,” you can use these words more accurately in your writing and avoid confusion or ambiguity.

More Examples Of Common & Frequent Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between common and frequent, it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Below are examples of both common and frequent used in a variety of contexts.

Examples Of Using Common In A Sentence

• It’s common for people to feel nervous before a big presentation.
• Wearing a mask has become common practice during the pandemic.
• The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system.
• It’s common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health.
• Using a computer is a common skill in today’s workforce.
• Having a morning cup of coffee is a common ritual for many people.
• It’s common courtesy to hold the door open for someone behind you.
• The common denominator among successful entrepreneurs is their persistence.
• Many birds have a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago.
• It’s common for children to outgrow their clothes quickly.

Examples Of Using Frequent In A Sentence

• She makes frequent trips to the grocery store to stock up on fresh produce.
• He is a frequent visitor to the local library.
• The company has frequent meetings to discuss progress and goals.
• Her frequent absences from work have caused concern among her colleagues.
• The frequent rain showers have made the roads slick and dangerous.
• He has frequent headaches that are often debilitating.
• The frequent use of social media has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety and depression.
• The frequent flyer program allows customers to earn points for their travels.
• The frequent power outages in the area have led to frustration and inconvenience for residents.
• She is a frequent contributor to the school’s newsletter.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to get confused. Two words that are often interchanged are “common” and “frequent.” However, these words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words:

Using “Common” When They Mean “Frequent”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “common” when they really mean “frequent.” “Common” refers to something that is widespread or prevalent, while “frequent” refers to something that happens often. For example, saying “It’s common for me to eat pizza for dinner” is incorrect because eating pizza for dinner is not something that is widespread or prevalent. Instead, you should say “It’s frequent for me to eat pizza for dinner” because you are saying that you often eat pizza for dinner.

Using “Frequent” When They Mean “Common”

The opposite mistake is also common – using “frequent” when you really mean “common.” This mistake happens when people use “frequent” to describe something that is widespread or prevalent. For example, saying “It’s frequent for people to wear hats in the summer” is incorrect because wearing hats in the summer is something that is widespread or prevalent. Instead, you should say “It’s common for people to wear hats in the summer” because you are saying that it is something that happens often.

Offering Vague Descriptions

Another mistake people make is offering vague descriptions when using “common” and “frequent.” For example, saying “It’s common for people to exercise” is a vague description because it doesn’t give any information about how often people exercise. Instead, you should say “It’s frequent for people to exercise three times a week” because you are giving a specific amount of times per week.

Offering Incorrect Explanations

Lastly, people often offer incorrect explanations when using “common” and “frequent.” For example, saying “Common and frequent mean the same thing” is incorrect because these words have different meanings. To avoid this mistake, make sure you understand the definitions of these words and use them correctly in your writing.

Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Look up the definitions of “common” and “frequent” to ensure you are using them correctly
• Be specific in your descriptions by giving exact amounts or frequencies
• Proofread your writing to make sure you are not using these words interchangeably

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “common” and “frequent,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. While these two words are often used interchangeably, they have subtle differences that can affect the meaning of a sentence.

Choosing Between Common And Frequent

Common is typically used to describe something that is widespread or generally known. For example, “It is common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health.” In this context, common is used to describe something that is widely known or accepted.

On the other hand, frequent is used to describe something that happens often or occurs repeatedly. For example, “She makes frequent trips to the gym.” In this context, frequent is used to describe the frequency of the trips.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between common and frequent might change:

Context 1: Medical Terminology

In medical terminology, the word “common” is often used to describe a condition that occurs frequently in a particular population. For example, “The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract.” In this context, common is used to describe the prevalence of the condition.

On the other hand, frequent might be used to describe the frequency of symptoms experienced by a patient. For example, “He experiences frequent headaches as a result of his high blood pressure.” In this context, frequent is used to describe the frequency of the headaches.

Context 2: Marketing

In marketing, the word “common” might be used to describe a feature or benefit that is shared by many products. For example, “The most common feature of our product is its durability.” In this context, common is used to describe a feature that is widely shared.

Alternatively, frequent might be used to describe how often a product is used or purchased. For example, “Our most frequent customers are those who use our product on a daily basis.” In this context, frequent is used to describe the frequency of product use or purchase.

Context 3: Travel

When discussing travel, the word “common” might be used to describe a destination that is popular or well-known. For example, “Paris is a common destination for tourists visiting Europe.” In this context, common is used to describe a destination that is widely visited or recognized.

On the other hand, frequent might be used to describe how often a person travels to a particular destination. For example, “She makes frequent trips to New York City for business.” In this context, frequent is used to describe the frequency of the trips.

Overall, the choice between common and frequent depends on the context in which they are used. Understanding the subtle differences between these two words can help you choose the right one for your writing and ensure that your meaning is clear and accurate.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using common and frequent are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the context and usage of the words to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Exception 1: Technical Jargon

In technical fields, certain terms may be considered common or frequent within the industry, but not in everyday language. For example, in the field of medicine, the term “myocardial infarction” is a common term, but it would be considered rare in casual conversation. Similarly, in the field of computer science, terms like “algorithm” and “binary code” are frequent, but not commonly used outside of the industry.

Exception 2: Regional Variations

The usage of common and frequent can also vary by region and dialect. For example, in British English, the word “frequent” is often used in place of “common.” In some areas, certain words may be more common or frequent due to cultural or historical influences. It is important to be aware of these variations to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Exception 3: Emphasis And Intensity

Sometimes, common and frequent may be used to convey different levels of emphasis or intensity. For example, if someone says “I have a common cold,” it implies a mild illness that is not unusual or severe. However, if someone says “I frequently get colds,” it suggests a pattern of recurring illness that may be more concerning. In these cases, the words are being used to convey a specific meaning beyond their literal definitions.

Exception 4: Colloquialisms And Slang

Colloquialisms and slang can also affect the usage of common and frequent. In some cases, words that are considered rare or uncommon in standard English may be commonly used in certain subcultures or social groups. For example, the word “lit” is a slang term that means “exciting” or “excellent,” and it is frequently used among younger generations. In these cases, it is important to understand the context and audience to use the appropriate language.

Overall, while common and frequent have clear definitions and rules for usage, there are exceptions where these rules may not apply. By understanding these exceptions and their contexts, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.

Practice Exercises

Mastering the difference between common and frequent usage takes practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these terms:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (common/frequent) to complete each sentence:

1. It’s _________ for people to use their phones while driving.	2. The weather is __________ly changing in this region.	3. Eating fast food is a __________ habit for many people.
4. The __________ cold is going around the office.	5. It’s not ___________ for people to work long hours in this industry.	6. The ___________ use of plastic is harming the environment.

Answer Key:

1. common	2. frequently	3. common
4. common	5. uncommon	6. frequent

Exercise 2: Identify The Usage

Decide whether the usage of common or frequent is correct in each sentence:

• 1. It’s a _________ misconception that all dogs like to fetch.
• 2. The company has been experiencing __________ layoffs in recent years.
• 3. The __________ use of pesticides is causing harm to the environment.
• 4. It’s ___________ for people to feel nervous before a big presentation.
• 5. The ___________ use of the word “literally” is becoming annoying.

Answer Key:

• 1. common
• 2. frequent
• 3. common
• 4. common
• 5. frequent

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your ability to differentiate between common and frequent usage. Keep in mind that common refers to something that is widespread or generally accepted, while frequent refers to something that happens often or repeatedly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between common and frequent, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings that are often misused. Common refers to something that is widespread or generally accepted, while frequent refers to something that occurs often or repeatedly.

It is important to understand the nuances of these terms in order to use them correctly in writing and speech. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion or miscommunication.

Furthermore, understanding grammar and language use is crucial for effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can better convey our thoughts and ideas to others.