What is commonly? Pronunciation and usage in English

commonly means . Learn how to pronounce and use commonly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of commonly

commonlyadverb

/ˈkɒmənli/
Definition & pronunciation of commonly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "commonly." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • com - mon - ly

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • com: Sounds like "comb" (as in the hairbrush). The "o" is a short "o" sound, like in "hot."
  • mon: This is the most challenging part. It's not pronounced like "mon" in "money." Instead, it's a very short, almost nasal "muh." Think of saying "mew" and then subtly letting the sound vibrate in your nose. It's a very quick, light "muh."
  • ly: This is pronounced like "lee" (rhymes with "see").

3. Putting it Together:

The entire word is pronounced something like: "comb-muh-lee"

4. Tips & Nuances:

  • Nasal Sound ("muh"): Really focus on getting that tiny, nasal "muh" sound in the middle. This is the key to making it sound right. If you overemphasize it, it can sound strange – it needs to be brief and subtle.
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("com"). You want that syllable to be a little louder than the other two.

Resources to Help You Listen:

  • Google Translate: Type "commonly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. This will give you a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/commonly/ - This website has pronunciations from many different native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce commonly" on YouTube and watch several videos. Hearing it from different speakers can be very helpful.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you an example sentence using "commonly" so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word commonly in English

Let's break down how to use "commonly" in English. It's a versatile word that essentially means "often" or "frequently." Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Basic Meaning & Function:

  • Meaning: "Commonly" describes something that happens or is done frequently or regularly. It indicates a widespread habit or practice.
  • Part of Speech: It's an adverb. This means it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

  • Modifying a Verb: (Describes how something is done)
    • "People commonly drive to work." (Instead of: "People drive to work.")
    • “Students commonly study in the library.”
    • "She commonly sings in the shower."
  • Modifying an Adjective: (Describes a characteristic of something)
    • "This is a commonly held belief." (Meaning: A belief that many people have.)
    • "He's a commonly respected member of the team."
  • Modifying Another Adverb: (Adds detail about frequency)
    • "They commonly meet for coffee." (More specific than "They meet often.")
    • “She speaks commonly quickly.” (Meaning she speaks rapidly.)

3. Common Phrases Using "Commonly":

  • Commonly used: (Frequently used) – "The word 'common' is commonly used in everyday language."
  • Commonly known: (Widely known) – "The capital of France is commonly known as Paris."
  • Commonly accepted: (Generally accepted) – "His theory is commonly accepted within the scientific community."
  • Commonly available: (Easily found) - "These products are commonly available online."
  • Commonly considered: (Frequently viewed as) - “A balanced diet is commonly considered essential for health.”

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Often
  • Frequently
  • Regularly
  • Usual
  • Typical
  • Habitually

5. Important Considerations:

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Commonly" is generally considered slightly more formal than "often" or "frequently." You'll use it more often in academic writing, professional settings, or when you want a slightly more polished tone.
  • Context is Key: The best way to understand how to use “commonly” is to see it in context.

6. Let’s Practice!

Try filling in the blanks with "commonly," "often," or "frequently":

  1. _____, people eat pizza on Friday nights.
  2. The teacher uses ____ examples to illustrate the concept.
  3. She ____ forgets to bring her umbrella.
  4. This painting is ____ praised for its beauty.

Answers:

  1. Common
  2. Commonly
  3. Often
  4. Commonly

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Create a practice exercise focused on a specific type of sentence?
  • Explain how "commonly" stacks up against other similar words, like “frequently”?

Synonyms for the word commonly

Practice with vocabulary commonly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. This issue is __________ discussed in academic circles.
  2. Many people __________ mistake "effect" for "affect" in writing.
  3. The procedure is __________ used in medical research due to its reliability.
  4. It is not __________ for employees to work overtime in this industry.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Social media platforms are __________ used for marketing purposes.
    a) usually
    b) commonly
    c) rarely
    d) frequently

  2. Which term describes something that occurs often or is widely accepted?
    a) seldom
    b) commonly
    c) occasionally
    d) typically

  3. The phrase "on the other hand" is __________ employed to introduce a contrasting idea.
    a) seldom
    b) commonly
    c) rarely
    d) infrequently

  4. The data is __________ analyzed using statistical software.
    a) primarily
    b) rarely
    c) broadly
    d) mainly

  5. The term "synonym" refers to words that have __________ meanings.
    a) opposite
    b) similar
    c) identical
    d) distinct

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: People often use abbreviations in text messages.
  2. Original: This method is frequently applied in scientific studies.
  3. Original: It is rare to see this behavior in professional settings.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. commonly
  2. commonly
  3. widely
  4. uncommon

Exercise 2:

  1. b) commonly
  2. b) commonly
  3. b) commonly
  4. a) primarily
  5. b) similar

Exercise 3:

  1. People commonly use abbreviations in text messages.
  2. This method is commonly applied in scientific studies.
  3. It is unusual to see this behavior in professional settings.

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