What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
common
Example
It is common to see squirrels in the park. [common: adjective]
Example
Common sense tells us not to touch a hot stove. [common: noun]
frequent
Example
He is a frequent visitor to the library. [frequent: adjective]
Example
I frequent this café because they have great coffee. [frequent: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Common is more commonly used than frequent in everyday language. It is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts and can be used to describe the prevalence or existence of something. On the other hand, frequent is less common but can be used to emphasize the regularity or repetition of something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between common and frequent?
Both common and frequent can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, common is generally considered more neutral and can be used in any level of formality, while frequent may sometimes imply a higher frequency or occurrence and may be more commonly used in informal settings.
