common practice

You can use this phrase as a noun. It often follows the verb to be. You might say, 'It is common practice to tip here.' You can also use it to justify an action. If someone asks why you do something a certain way, just say it is common practice. It works well in both professional and casual settings. Just remember it describes a group habit, not just your personal one.

Use it when explaining customs to a newcomer. It is perfect for office orientations or travel advice. Use it in meetings to defend a standard procedure. It sounds authoritative but polite. You can use it when texting a friend about social norms. For example, 'Is it common practice to bring a gift to this party?' It helps you navigate new social waters without sounding lost.

Do not use it for rare or unique events. If something happens once a year, it is probably not a common practice. Avoid using it for strictly legal requirements. If the law says you must do it, call it a 'requirement' instead. Also, do not use it for your own weird personal habits. Eating pizza with a fork might be your choice, but it is not common practice for the whole world!

In Western business culture, this phrase is a shield. It helps maintain order without sounding too bossy. It implies that 'the group' has agreed on this method over time. In the UK, queuing is a common practice that borders on a religious experience. In the US, being five minutes early to a meeting is often considered common practice. It reflects a culture that values efficiency and shared expectations.

You might hear people say standard practice or accepted practice. These are slightly more formal. In medicine or law, they say best practice. That means it is the most effective way to do something. If you want to be more casual, you could say 'the norm.' However, common practice remains the most versatile version for your daily English toolkit.