What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commonplace
Example
The book was filled with commonplace ideas and lacked originality. [commonplace: adjective]
Example
In today's society, smartphones have become a commonplace item. [commonplace: noun]
ordinary
Example
She lived an ordinary life, working a regular job and spending time with her family. [ordinary: adjective]
Example
The restaurant served ordinary food at affordable prices. [ordinary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ordinary is more commonly used than commonplace in everyday language. Ordinary is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while commonplace is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between commonplace and ordinary?
While commonplace is slightly more formal, ordinary can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a more versatile word that can adapt to different levels of formality.
