common vs general

Both 'common' and 'general' are correct adjectives in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Common' is used to describe something that occurs frequently or is widely known, while 'general' is used to describe something that is widespread or applicable to a broad range of situations.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 275 views

The word 'common' is a correct adjective in English used to describe something that occurs frequently or is widely known.

"common"

Use 'common' to describe something that is prevalent or widely recognized. It can be used to refer to things that are frequently seen or experienced.

Examples:

It is common for people to feel nervous before a job interview.
Colds are a common illness during the winter months.
Common sense dictates that you should look both ways before crossing the street.
It is common knowledge that the Earth revolves around the sun.
Common courtesy suggests that you should hold the door open for the person behind you.

Show examples from the web [+]

You and I have common interests.
Capitalist imperialism is our common enemy.
England is our common enemy, sir.
Initiation ritual common in Russian prison gangs.
Strangers aren't too common out here.
We all face a common threat...
Memory loss from grief is quite common.
The IRA and the American Indian Movement had common cause.
This fracture is extremely common in golfers.
Zhang Huike's situation is increasingly common.
My fiancée and mother have finally found common ground.
Blood clots are a common complication.
Adverse reactions are common when starting new drugs.
Actually, diamonds are common as muck.
Nothing wrong except a common bladder infection.
Between them stands a common Sellsword.
Respiratory infections are common with A-T.
Guilt is incredibly common for survivors of suicides.
I realize this is a common enough complaint.
Again, intestinal problems are common.

Alternatives:

frequent
widespread
prevalent
ubiquitous
well-known

The word 'general' is a correct adjective in English used to describe something that is widespread or applicable to a broad range of situations.

"general"

Use 'general' to describe something that is broad or not specific to a particular case. It can be used to refer to concepts, ideas, or rules that apply broadly.

Examples:

The general consensus is that the project needs more time to be completed.
She gave a general overview of the company's financial situation.
In general, it is better to be prepared for any situation.
The general public is invited to attend the event.
The general rule is to treat others as you would like to be treated.

Show examples from the web [+]

This difference provokes certain general comments.
History, English, politics and general studies.
It is more specific; less general.
For general web browser use we recommend Iceweasel or Chromium.
This reduces general access to trading this instrument.
The general requests your presence immediately, sir.
Major, photographs for the general.
I know the shogunate general and his mistresses personally.
Peace-loving general starts fight at the U.N.
Your inspector general just postponed the investigation effective immediately.
Of a retired, three-star Marine general.
Of a retired, three-star Marine general.
But our general is going home.
She's an excellent general surgeon.
Registered his bloodshot eyes and general twitchiness.
Especially for those big donors the general invited.
The general never ran from anything.
Bailey says you're declaring general.
We have to find something very general.
O.R.s one through three are general.

Alternatives:

broad
universal
overall
common
generic

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common vs general

"common"

"general"

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