What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
simple
Example
The instructions for this game are simple and easy to follow. [simple: adjective]
Example
I prefer simple recipes with few ingredients. [simple: adjective]
common
Example
The common cold is a viral infection that affects many people. [common: adjective]
Example
English is a common language spoken in many countries. [common: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Common is a more commonly used word than simple in everyday language. Common is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while simple is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between simple and common?
Both simple and common can be used in formal and informal contexts, but simple may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields where precision and clarity are important.
