commonly
KO-muhn-lee
Commonly (adverb) means Usually; in most cases. Example: “This mistake is commonly made by beginners.”
adverb
1
Usually; in most cases.
"This mistake is commonly made by beginners."
"The condition is commonly treated with rest and hydration."
"Tomatoes are commonly grown in greenhouses in the cooler parts of the country."
How to use commonly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGenerally, or in most cases — a way of saying "usually" a bit more formally.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more commonly
- Superlative
- most commonly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This mistake is _____ made by beginners.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English comunly, equivalent to common plus -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for commonly
See all rhymes for commonly →Frequently asked questions
What does “commonly” mean?
The word “commonly” means usually; in most cases. In plain terms, generally, or in most cases — a way of saying "usually" a bit more formally.
How do you pronounce “commonly”?
“Commonly” is pronounced KO-muhn-lee (/ˈkɑmənli/ in IPA).
How do you use “commonly” in a sentence?
Here is “commonly” used in a sentence: “This mistake is commonly made by beginners.”
What is another word for “commonly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “commonly” include most of the time.
What part of speech is “commonly”?
“Commonly” is an adverb.
Is “commonly” a common word?
“Commonly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between commonly and usually?
Both adverbs mean "in most cases," but usually emphasizes what happens most of the time in a sequence of events, while commonly emphasizes what is widespread across people, places, or examples. "She usually walks to work" describes a habit; "the plant is commonly found in gardens" describes wide distribution.
Where should commonly go in a sentence?
Commonly usually sits in mid position, before the main verb or after "be": "This error is commonly made by beginners." It also appears directly before a past participle in phrases such as "commonly used," "commonly found," and "commonly known." Starting a sentence with it is possible but less frequent.
Is commonly formal or informal?
Commonly is neutral and fits both everyday and academic writing, though it is especially frequent in factual and scientific prose, as in "a commonly prescribed drug." In casual conversation, speakers often prefer "usually" or "a lot of the time."
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