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A2 adverb #3,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

communément

Top 3,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces communément en 30 secondes

Explication communément in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things that happen. While 'communément' might seem like a long and difficult word, you can understand it by looking at the word 'commun' (common). Think of it like the English word 'commonly'. You won't need to use this word very often in your own speaking yet, but you might see it in simple books or on signs. It tells you that something is normal or that 'most people' do it. For example, if a book says a fruit is 'communément' found in France, it just means you can find it in many places. Focus on recognizing the '-ment' ending, which usually means '-ly' in English. This will help you identify many adverbs as you continue your French journey. At this stage, stick to 'souvent' (often) for your own speaking, but keep 'communément' in the back of your mind as a 'big brother' to the word 'common'.

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At the A2 level, you are beginning to use more adverbs to make your sentences more interesting. 'Communément' is a great word to add to your vocabulary because it helps you talk about general facts. Instead of just saying 'Les gens disent...' (People say...), you can say 'C'est communément dit' (It is commonly said). This makes you sound more advanced! You will mostly use this word when you want to explain a name or a general rule. Remember the grammar rule: in French, the adverb usually goes after the verb. So, you say 'On l'appelle communément' (We call it commonly) and not 'On communément l'appelle'. You might also see this word in weather reports or simple news articles. It's a 'bridge' word—it connects the simple French you learned in A1 to the more formal French you will learn in B1. Practice using it with the verb 'appeler' (to call) to describe nicknames or common names for things.

As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more complex social situations and express opinions more clearly. 'Communément' is very useful here because it allows you to talk about social norms and general consensus. You are moving beyond simple frequency (how many times) and into the realm of 'commonality' (how many people). This is a key distinction. You might use 'communément' in a presentation about your country to describe a common tradition: 'C'est une fête communément célébrée en mai.' It's also a great word for writing essays. When you want to introduce an idea that most people agree with, you can start with 'Il est communément admis que...' (It is commonly accepted that...). This gives your writing a professional and objective tone. Be careful not to confuse it with 'habituellement', which is more about your personal habits. 'Communément' is about the group, the society, or the general public. You should start feeling comfortable using it in both writing and formal speaking.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to appreciate the stylistic nuances of 'communément'. You are now interacting with more sophisticated texts like editorials, literature, and professional documents. In these contexts, 'communément' is used to establish a baseline of knowledge before introducing a new or contrary idea. For example: 'Bien que communément considéré comme un succès, ce projet a eu des failles.' (Although commonly considered a success, this project had flaws.) Notice how the word helps set up a contrast. You should also be aware of its role in scientific or technical French, where it bridges the gap between 'le langage courant' (everyday language) and 'le langage soutenu' (formal language). Your placement of the adverb should be flawless now—always following the conjugated verb or the past participle in passive constructions. You can also use it to qualify adjectives to show widespread traits, such as 'une pratique communément répandue' (a widely spread practice).

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For C1 learners, 'communément' is a tool for precision and rhetorical strategy. You are likely writing long essays or engaging in high-level debates. At this level, you can use 'communément' to dissect public discourse. You might analyze how certain terms are 'communément' misused or how a 'communément' held belief is actually a myth. You should be able to distinguish it from more obscure synonyms like 'coutumièrement' or 'traditionnellement'. In academic writing, 'communément' helps you cite the 'état de l'art' (state of the art) or the current consensus in a field. You should also be comfortable with its use in legal or administrative French, where it defines standard interpretations of a text. Your mastery of this word shows that you can navigate the subtle registers of French, moving from the specific to the general with ease. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a building block for complex argumentation.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the language, and 'communément' is part of your extensive toolkit for stylistic variation. You might use it in a philosophical essay to discuss the 'sens commun' (common sense) or in a literary critique to describe a 'topos' or a common theme in literature. You understand the historical weight of the word—how it relates to the Latin 'communis' and how its usage has evolved from describing the 'vulgus' to describing a neutral, objective consensus. You can use it with irony or to challenge the 'doxa' (the set of commonly held beliefs). For instance, you might write about the 'idées communément reçues' (commonly received ideas) that stifle creative thought. At this level, you don't just use the word; you play with it, placing it in complex sentence structures to achieve a specific rhythmic or rhetorical effect. You are fully aware of its synonyms and antonyms and can choose 'communément' precisely because it is the most fitting word for the specific social or linguistic commonality you wish to describe.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

communément en 30 secondes

Communément is a French adverb meaning 'commonly' or 'generally', used to describe shared beliefs or names.
It is more formal than 'souvent' and focuses on collective agreement rather than just numerical frequency.
Commonly used in the phrase 'communément appelé' to provide a popular name for something technical.
Always place it after the conjugated verb or the past participle in passive constructions.

The French adverb communément is a sophisticated yet accessible word that translates most directly to the English 'commonly' or 'generally.' At its core, it describes actions, beliefs, or naming conventions that are shared by a large group of people or are standard within a specific context. Derived from the adjective commun (common) and the suffix -ément (used to form adverbs from adjectives), it carries a sense of collective agreement or frequent occurrence.

Semantic Range: It refers to things that happen in an ordinary way, things that are widely accepted as true, or names that are used by the general public rather than technical experts.
Frequency of Use: While not as frequent as 'souvent' (often), it is a staple in journalism, academic writing, and formal speech to denote a consensus or a standard practice.

In everyday French, you might use it when explaining a nickname or a widely held belief. For instance, if a fruit has a complex botanical name but everyone calls it something else, you would use communément. It bridges the gap between the specialized and the popular. It is not just about frequency; it is about the 'commonality' of the experience or the designation.

Cette plante est communément appelée 'bouton d'or' par les jardiniers.

Translation: This plant is commonly called 'buttercup' by gardeners.

Historically, the word has maintained a steady presence in the French language since the 14th century. It reflects a societal need to categorize what belongs to the 'commune' or the general public. In modern discourse, it is often found in the phrase il est communément admis que (it is commonly accepted that), which serves as a powerful rhetorical tool to introduce a general truth or a starting point for an argument.

On croit communément que le chat noir porte malheur.

Translation: It is commonly believed that black cats bring bad luck.

When you encounter this word in literature or media, pay attention to the context. Is it describing a physical habit, a linguistic label, or a sociological trend? The versatility of communément allows it to function across these domains seamlessly. It is a word of consensus, pointing to the middle ground of human experience where labels and habits are shared by the many rather than the few.

Register Variation: In very formal legal documents, 'communément' might describe a standard procedure. In a casual conversation, it might be replaced by 'd'habitude' or 'en général', but using it adds a touch of intellectual rigor to your French.

Les experts utilisent des termes techniques, mais le public s'exprime plus communément.

Ultimately, mastering communément helps you describe the 'norm' in French society. It is an essential tool for any student moving beyond basic vocabulary into the realm of nuanced expression, allowing you to discuss social norms, linguistic habits, and general consensus with the precision of a native speaker.

Using communément correctly requires an understanding of French adverb placement. Like most adverbs ending in -ment, its position depends on the tense of the verb and the structure of the sentence. Whether you are using a simple tense, a compound tense, or a passive construction, the word typically gravitates toward the verb it modifies to clarify the 'manner' or 'extent' of the action.

Simple Tenses: In simple tenses like the present or the imperfect, 'communément' usually follows the verb immediately. Example: 'Il agit communément de cette façon' (He commonly acts this way).
Compound Tenses: In tenses like the passé composé, long adverbs like 'communément' can either follow the past participle or be placed between the auxiliary and the participle, though following the participle is often more natural for longer adverbs. However, for 'communément', placing it after the participle is standard: 'Cela a été communément accepté'.

One of the most frequent patterns is the construction être communément + [past participle]. This is used to describe how something is generally perceived or labeled. This passive-style construction is very common in descriptive writing and journalism.

Ce phénomène est communément observé dans les régions tropicales.

Translation: This phenomenon is commonly observed in tropical regions.

Another important usage is with the verb appeler (to call). When you want to provide a common name for something that has a technical name, communément is your go-to adverb. It sets up a contrast between the 'official' and the 'popular'.

Le chlorure de sodium est plus communément connu sous le nom de sel de table.

You can also use it to qualify adjectives. For example, une erreur communément commise (a commonly made mistake). Here, it functions to show the prevalence of the adjective's quality. This is particularly useful in academic essays where you are discussing trends or widespread misconceptions.

Negation: When using negation, 'communément' stays after the 'pas'. Example: 'Ce n'est pas communément admis' (It is not commonly accepted).

Bien que rare, ce mot est communément utilisé dans cette petite région.

In summary, place communément after the conjugated verb in simple tenses, after the past participle in compound tenses (usually), and immediately before the adjective it modifies. Its presence clarifies that the action or description is not an outlier but a standard part of the collective experience.

While communément is not a slang term you'll hear in a high-speed street conversation between teenagers, it is ubiquitous in many other spheres of French life. Understanding where it appears will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the conversation or text. It is a word of education, information, and formal social interaction.

News and Media: Journalists on stations like France Inter or in newspapers like Le Monde use 'communément' to describe public opinion or general trends. You might hear: 'Il est communément dit que l'économie s'améliore' (It is commonly said that the economy is improving).
Science and Education: Teachers and professors use it to bridge the gap between technical jargon and common language. It's the perfect word for defining terms: 'L'H2O est communément appelé l'eau'.

In the workplace, particularly in professional reports or meetings, communément is used to discuss protocols or standard procedures. If a manager says, 'Nous procédons communément ainsi,' they are telling you that this is the standard way things are done, implying that you should follow suit. It carries the weight of established tradition or consensus.

Dans ce secteur, on utilise communément des logiciels de gestion de projet.

In this sector, project management software is commonly used.

Legal and administrative contexts also favor this word. When describing laws or regulations that apply to the 'common man' or typical situations, 'communément' appears to define the scope of the rule. It avoids the ambiguity of 'often' and focuses on the 'generality' of the application.

C'est un médicament communément prescrit pour le rhume.

You will also find it in museum guides, historical plaques, and travel documentaries. It serves to introduce the popular names of landmarks or historical events. For example, a guide might say that a certain building is 'communément appelé la Maison Carrée' even if its official architectural designation is different.

Literature: In novels, particularly those with a narrating voice that observes society (like Balzac or Zola), 'communément' is used to describe the habits of a particular social class or the general spirit of a town.

À l'époque, on croyait communément que la Terre était plate.

By listening for communément, you are tuning into the 'standard' frequency of French life. It is the word of the majority, the word of the textbook, and the word of the shared cultural narrative.

Even for intermediate learners, communément can lead to some linguistic traps. These mistakes usually fall into three categories: confusion with similar-sounding words, incorrect placement, and using it in the wrong 'register' or context. Avoiding these will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

Confusion with 'Communalement': This is a rare but real mistake. 'Communalement' refers specifically to a 'commune' (the smallest administrative division in France). You would use it to talk about municipal management. 'Communément' is about what is 'common' or 'general'. Don't mix up the town hall with general consensus!
The 'Often' vs. 'Commonly' Trap: Learners often use 'communément' when they simply mean 'souvent' (often). While they are related, 'communément' implies that many people do it or everyone knows it. 'Souvent' just means it happens many times. If you brush your teeth three times a day, you do it 'souvent', but you don't do it 'communément' (unless you're describing the habit of a whole population).

Another mistake involves word order. English speakers often want to put the adverb before the verb because that is common in English ('He commonly uses...'). In French, putting it before the verb ('Il communément utilise...') is a major grammatical error. It must follow the conjugated verb.

Incorrect: C'est un communément connu fait.
Correct: C'est un fait communément connu.

A subtle mistake is the 'False Friend' nuance with 'Vulgairement'. In older French, 'vulgairement' meant 'in the common tongue' (from the Latin 'vulgus' meaning the common people). Some learners see this in old texts and try to use it like 'communément'. Today, 'vulgairement' almost always means 'rudely' or 'vulgarly'. Stick to communément for 'commonly'.

On ne dit pas communément cela dans une conversation amicale ; c'est un peu trop formel.

Translation: One doesn't commonly say that in a friendly conversation; it's a bit too formal.

Lastly, avoid using communément to describe personal habits that aren't shared by others. 'Je mange communément des pommes' sounds like you are conducting a sociological study on yourself. Use 'd'habitude' or 'habituellement' for personal routines.

Register Mismatch: Using it in a very slangy, informal text (like an SMS to a friend) can sound sarcastic or overly 'stuck up'. It's a word for articles, speeches, and thoughtful discussions.

By keeping these pitfalls in mind—especially the distinction between personal frequency and collective commonality—you will use communément with the grace and precision of a native speaker.

To truly master communément, you must understand its neighbors. French has a rich set of adverbs to describe frequency, generality, and standard practice. Choosing the right one allows you to fine-tune your meaning and avoid repetitive writing.

Généralement: The most direct synonym. It is more common in speech than 'communément'. While 'communément' emphasizes shared knowledge or naming, 'généralement' emphasizes the rule or the majority of cases.
Habituellement: This focuses on 'habit'. Use this for routines. If you usually take the train, use 'habituellement'. If the train is 'commonly' called 'le TGV', use 'communément'.
Couramment: Often used for languages (parler couramment) or things that happen frequently in a 'current' flow. It implies a certain fluidity or ease that 'communément' doesn't have.

When you want to describe something that is done by the vast majority, you might use majoritairement. This is more statistical than communément. If 90% of people vote a certain way, they do it majoritairement.

On utilise communément ce terme, mais 'généralement' est plus simple à dire.

We commonly use this term, but 'generally' is simpler to say.

For a more literary or formal touch, you could use d'ordinaire or coutumièrement. Coutumièrement is quite rare and specifically refers to 'customs' (coutumes). It's even more formal than communément.

Ce qui est communément admis n'est pas toujours vrai.

What is commonly accepted is not always true.

In some contexts, you might use populairement, but be careful: this can sometimes imply 'among the lower classes' or 'in a non-scientific way'. Communément is more neutral and objective.

Ordinairement: Very similar to 'commonly' in the sense of 'ordinarily'. It suggests that something is not special or unique, but part of the standard order of things.

By having these alternatives at your fingertips, you can avoid sounding like a textbook and start sounding like a person with a deep command of French nuance. Use communément when you want to highlight the shared, collective nature of a fact or name.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-ment' comes from the Latin 'mente', meaning 'with a mind'. So 'communément' etymologically means 'with a common mind'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kɔ.my.ne.mɑ̃/

US /kɔ.mju.ne.mɑ̃/

The stress in French is usually on the final syllable of the word group, so 'mɑ̃' gets the slight emphasis.

Rime avec

clément tellement vraiment agréablement patiemment étonnamment évidemment fréquemment

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the final 't' (it is silent).
Using the English 'u' (oo) instead of the French 'u' (rounded lips).
Forgetting the nasalization of the final 'ent'.
Stressing the first syllable like in English 'commonly'.
Confusing the 'é' sound with 'è'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the 'commun' root and '-ment' suffix.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of adverb placement and correct spelling (double 'm').

Expression orale 3/5

Four syllables and a nasal ending make it a good pronunciation exercise.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear in formal speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Commun Généralement Souvent Appeler Admettre

Apprends ensuite

Fréquemment Coutumièrement Majoritairement Systématiquement Régulièrement

Avancé

La doxa Le consensus Le paradigme L'usage courant La norme

Grammaire à connaître

Formation of adverbs from adjectives ending in '-un'

Commun -> Commune (feminine) -> Communément.

Adverb placement after the verb

Il mange communément des fruits.

Adverb placement in compound tenses

Cela a été communément accepté.

Adverbs modifying adjectives

Un fait communément connu.

Invariability of adverbs

Ils agissent communément (no plural 's').

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Exemples par niveau

Le chien est communément un animal de compagnie.

The dog is commonly a pet.

Adverb follows the verb 'est'.

On mange communément du pain en France.

People commonly eat bread in France.

'On' is used here to mean 'people in general'.

C'est un nom communément utilisé.

It is a commonly used name.

Adverb modifies the adjective 'utilisé'.

Les fleurs sont communément rouges ou jaunes.

The flowers are commonly red or yellow.

Adverb placement after the verb 'sont'.

Il fait communément froid en hiver.

It is commonly cold in winter.

Describes a general weather trend.

Le chat est communément noir et blanc.

The cat is commonly black and white.

Simple descriptive use.

On utilise communément l'ordinateur.

We commonly use the computer.

Present tense usage.

C'est une couleur communément aimée.

It is a commonly liked color.

Modifying a past participle used as an adjective.

On appelle communément ce monument la Tour Eiffel.

We commonly call this monument the Eiffel Tower.

Use of 'appeler' + 'communément'.

Il est communément admis que le sport est bon.

It is commonly accepted that sport is good.

Introduction of a general truth.

Ce fruit est communément trouvé au marché.

This fruit is commonly found at the market.

Passive construction.

Les élèves utilisent communément des stylos bleus.

Students commonly use blue pens.

Subject-verb-adverb-object order.

C'est un problème communément rencontré par les débutants.

It's a problem commonly encountered by beginners.

Modifying the participle 'rencontré'.

On dit communément qu'il faut dormir huit heures.

It is commonly said that one must sleep eight hours.

Reporting a common belief.

Cette chanson est communément jouée à la radio.

This song is commonly played on the radio.

Passive voice.

Les gens s'habillent communément en noir pour les fêtes.

People commonly dress in black for parties.

Reflexive verb 's'habiller'.

Bien que technique, ce terme est communément compris.

Although technical, this term is commonly understood.

Contrasting 'technical' with 'commonly understood'.

C'est une erreur que l'on fait communément.

It's a mistake that one commonly makes.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Les scientifiques utilisent communément cette méthode.

Scientists commonly use this method.

Specific professional context.

Le café est communément bu le matin en Europe.

Coffee is commonly drunk in the morning in Europe.

Passive voice describing a cultural habit.

Il est communément suggéré de boire beaucoup d'eau.

It is commonly suggested to drink a lot of water.

Impersonal 'il est' construction.

Ce type d'oiseau est communément aperçu dans les jardins.

This type of bird is commonly seen in gardens.

Describing frequency of observation.

On croit communément que la vitamine C prévient le rhume.

It is commonly believed that vitamin C prevents colds.

Describing a popular belief.

Cette règle est communément ignorée par les conducteurs.

This rule is commonly ignored by drivers.

Passive voice with an agent.

Le terme 'digital' est communément employé à la place de 'numérique'.

The term 'digital' is commonly used instead of 'numérique'.

Linguistic nuance and comparison.

Cette théorie, bien que contestée, est communément enseignée.

This theory, although contested, is commonly taught.

Parenthetical phrase with 'bien que'.

Il s'agit d'un dispositif communément mis en place lors des crises.

This is a device commonly put in place during crises.

Compound tense with 'mis en place'.

On ne peut pas nier ce qui est communément perçu comme une injustice.

One cannot deny what is commonly perceived as an injustice.

Complex sentence with 'ce qui'.

Les entreprises adoptent communément des politiques de télétravail.

Companies commonly adopt teleworking policies.

Describing a corporate trend.

C'est un ingrédient communément associé à la cuisine italienne.

It is an ingredient commonly associated with Italian cuisine.

Association of ideas.

Ces symptômes sont communément liés au stress chronique.

These symptoms are commonly linked to chronic stress.

Medical context.

La liberté est communément définie comme un droit fondamental.

Freedom is commonly defined as a fundamental right.

Philosophical definition.

L'auteur s'appuie sur des préjugés communément partagés par ses contemporains.

The author relies on prejudices commonly shared by his contemporaries.

Literary analysis context.

Il convient de déconstruire ce que l'on appelle communément le 'rêve américain'.

It is appropriate to deconstruct what is commonly called the 'American dream'.

Advanced rhetorical structure.

Le droit coutumier repose sur des règles communément admises par le groupe.

Customary law is based on rules commonly accepted by the group.

Legal context.

Ces variations linguistiques sont communément observées dans les zones frontalières.

These linguistic variations are commonly observed in border zones.

Sociolinguistic observation.

Le concept de 'progrès' est communément galvaudé dans les discours politiques.

The concept of 'progress' is commonly overused/debased in political speeches.

Critical analysis of discourse.

Il est communément admis, bien que non prouvé, que le climat change radicalement.

It is commonly accepted, although not proven, that the climate is changing radically.

Nuanced scientific statement.

Les historiens s'accordent sur des faits communément documentés.

Historians agree on commonly documented facts.

Academic consensus.

C'est une structure narrative communément employée dans les contes de fées.

It is a narrative structure commonly used in fairy tales.

Structuralist analysis.

L'ontologie du sujet est communément abordée sous l'angle de la conscience.

The ontology of the subject is commonly approached from the perspective of consciousness.

Philosophical register.

On occulte communément les racines historiques de ce conflit au profit d'une analyse immédiate.

The historical roots of this conflict are commonly obscured in favor of an immediate analysis.

Sophisticated critique.

Ce néologisme, bien que récent, s'est communément installé dans le lexique quotidien.

This neologism, although recent, has commonly settled into the daily lexicon.

Describing linguistic evolution.

Il s'agit d'une méprise communément entretenue par une lecture superficielle du texte.

It is a misunderstanding commonly maintained by a superficial reading of the text.

Precise literary criticism.

La doxa, ce qui est communément pensé, s'oppose souvent à la vérité scientifique.

The doxa, that which is commonly thought, often opposes scientific truth.

Philosophical distinction.

Les paradigmes scientifiques sont communément remis en question lors des révolutions intellectuelles.

Scientific paradigms are commonly questioned during intellectual revolutions.

Epistemological context.

On tend communément à simplifier les enjeux géopolitiques complexes.

There is a common tendency to simplify complex geopolitical issues.

Describing a cognitive bias.

Cette locution est communément assortie d'une nuance ironique dans la littérature moderne.

This phrase is commonly accompanied by an ironic nuance in modern literature.

Stylistic analysis.

Collocations courantes

Communément appelé

Communément admis

Communément utilisé

Communément pratiqué

Communément observé

Communément accepté

Communément répandu

Communément désigné

Communément dit

Communément partagé

Phrases Courantes

Il est communément admis que

— It is a standard opening for a general truth.

Il est communément admis que la terre tourne.

Comme on dit communément

— Used to introduce a cliché or common saying.

Comme on dit communément, l'habit ne fait pas le moine.

Ce que l'on appelle communément

— Used to introduce a popular term for something.

C'est ce que l'on appelle communément un coup de chance.

Être communément connu sous le nom de

— Used for nicknames or aliases.

Il est communément connu sous le nom de 'Le Grand'.

Une pratique communément admise

— Refers to a standard social protocol.

C'est une pratique communément admise dans ce pays.

Un fait communément établi

— Refers to a proven and accepted fact.

C'est un fait communément établi par les historiens.

Communément parlant

— In common parlance (though 'en langage courant' is more common).

Communément parlant, on appelle ça un bug.

Être communément utilisé pour

— Describes the standard function of an object.

Ce bois est communément utilisé pour le chauffage.

Une erreur communément commise

— A typical mistake people make.

C'est une erreur communément commise par les élèves.

Communément perçu comme

— How something is generally seen.

Il est communément perçu comme un héros.

Souvent confondu avec

communément vs Communalement

Refers to a municipality (commune), not general commonality.

communément vs Communautairement

Refers to a community group or the European Community.

communément vs Couramment

Means 'fluently' or 'currently', not necessarily 'shared by all'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Le sens commun"

— Common sense; though not using the adverb, it shares the root.

Utilise ton sens commun !

Neutral

"Mettre en commun"

— To share resources or ideas.

Nous devons mettre nos idées en commun.

Neutral

"Sortir du commun"

— To be extraordinary or unusual.

C'est un talent qui sort du commun.

Literary

"Le commun des mortels"

— Ordinary people (the commonality of mortals).

Il n'est pas comme le commun des mortels.

Formal

"Un lieu commun"

— A cliché or a platitude.

Son discours n'était qu'une suite de lieux communs.

Formal

"Droit commun"

— Common law or general legal principles.

C'est un prisonnier de droit commun.

Legal

"Vivre en commun"

— To live together (as a group).

Ils ont choisi de vivre en commun.

Neutral

"La fosse commune"

— A mass grave (a grim but common usage).

Les victimes furent enterrées dans une fosse commune.

Neutral

"La vie commune"

— Life shared between partners.

Ils ont commencé leur vie commune en juin.

Neutral

"En commun"

— In common.

Nous avons beaucoup de points en commun.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

communément vs Généralement

Both mean 'generally'.

Généralement is about the rule/frequency; communément is about the shared consensus/naming.

Généralement, il pleut en mars. (Frequency) / Ce mois est communément appelé le mois du printemps. (Naming)

communément vs Souvent

Both relate to things happening a lot.

Souvent is just frequency; communément is about how many people share the action.

Je vais souvent au cinéma. (Personal) / Le cinéma est communément considéré comme le septième art. (Social)

communément vs Habituellement

Both describe standard behavior.

Habituellement is about a routine or habit; communément is about a social standard.

Habituellement, je déjeune à midi. / On déjeune communément à midi en France.

communément vs Populairement

Both relate to 'the people'.

Populairement is often used for non-scientific or folk beliefs; communément is more neutral.

Populairement, on croit aux fantômes. / Communément, on admet ce fait scientifique.

communément vs Ordinairement

Both mean 'ordinarily'.

Ordinairement focuses on the lack of exception; communément focuses on the shared nature.

Ordinairement, il est calme. / C'est une plante communément trouvée ici.

Structures de phrases

On appelle [nom] communément [surnom].

On appelle ce fruit communément une pomme.

C'est une erreur que l'on fait communément.

C'est une erreur que l'on fait communément en maths.

Il est communément admis que [phrase].

Il est communément admis que le climat change.

Bien que [adjectif], ce fait est communément [participe passé].

Bien que surprenant, ce fait est communément ignoré.

La doxa tend communément à [verbe].

La doxa tend communément à simplifier les faits.

Être communément connu sous le nom de [nom].

Il est communément connu sous le nom de 'Zizou'.

C'est communément utilisé pour [verbe].

C'est communément utilisé pour couper du bois.

Une opinion communément partagée par [groupe].

Une opinion communément partagée par les jeunes.

Famille de mots

Noms

Commune

Communauté

Communion

Communisme

Verbes

Communiquer

Communier

Adjectifs

Commun

Communal

Communicatif

Apparenté

Généralement

Habituellement

Ordinairement

Couramment

Fréquemment

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Medium-High in written French; Medium in spoken French.

Erreurs courantes

Je communément vais au parc. → Je vais communément au parc.
In French, the adverb must follow the conjugated verb. You cannot place it between the subject and the verb.
C'est un nom communalement utilisé. → C'est un nom communément utilisé.
'Communalement' relates to a town council (une commune). 'Communément' means 'commonly'.
Je parle communément anglais. → Je parle couramment anglais.
To speak a language 'fluently', use 'couramment'. 'Communément' would mean 'I speak English in a common way', which is weird.
Il est souvent appelé communément... → Il est communément appelé...
This is redundant. 'Communément' already implies that it is done 'souvent' by many people. Pick one.
C'est un communément connu fait. → C'est un fait communément connu.
Adverbs modifying adjectives usually follow the noun-adjective group or stay close to the adjective. 'Fait communément connu' is the standard order.

Astuces

The Community Rule

Whenever you want to say something is done by the 'Community', use 'Communément'. It's the 'Community-ly' way of doing things!

Double M Alert

Remember that 'communément' has two 'm's. Think of it as 'Commonly' which also has two 'm's in the middle if you squint!

Elevate Your Essays

Replace 'Les gens pensent' with 'Il est communément admis'. This single change will immediately make your French writing sound more academic and professional.

Naming Things

Keep 'communément appelé' as a set phrase in your mind. It's the most natural way to introduce a nickname or a common term.

The Nasal Finish

Don't let the 't' at the end of '-ment' escape! The 'en' should be a pure nasal sound, like the 'an' in 'dance' but without the 'n' or 'ce' sounds.

Not Just Often

Remember that 'communément' isn't just about how many times something happens, but how many people agree on it.

No Adverb-Verb Sandwich

Never say 'Je communément mange'. The verb always comes first: 'Je mange communément'.

Cultural Standard

Use it to talk about French culture, like 'On boit communément du vin à table'. It shows you understand social norms.

Passive Power

Pair 'communément' with passive verbs like 'utilisé', 'connu', or 'observé' for maximum impact in formal reports.

Root Recognition

When you see any word starting with 'commun-', think of 'shared'. This will help you remember that 'communément' is about shared actions.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Commune' where everyone shares things. 'Communément' is how things are done when they are shared by everyone.

Association visuelle

Imagine a large group of people all pointing to the same object and saying the same name for it.

Word Web

Common Community Communicate Commune Communism Communion Commonplace Commons

Défi

Try to describe three objects in your room using the phrase 'C'est communément appelé...' followed by their names.

Origine du mot

From the Middle French 'communément', derived from the adjective 'commun' which comes from the Latin 'communis'.

Sens originel : Belonging to all, shared by the community.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using it to describe people's beliefs (e.g., 'On croit communément que...'); it can sometimes sound dismissive if used by an expert to correct a 'common' mistake.

English speakers often over-rely on 'usually' or 'normally'. 'Communément' adds a layer of 'shared consensus' that 'usually' lacks.

Often used in the 'Encyclopédie' of Diderot and d'Alembert to define popular terms. Found in legal codes (Code Civil) to describe standard practices. Used in French nature documentaries (like 'Le Peuple Migrateur') to describe animal habits.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Science/Nature

Communément observé
Communément appelé
Espèce communément trouvée
Phénomène communément admis

Language Learning

Erreur communément faite
Terme communément utilisé
Expression communément entendue
Communément traduit par

Law/Administration

Pratique communément admise
Règle communément suivie
Procédure communément appliquée
Droit communément reconnu

Social Beliefs

Idée communément répandue
On croit communément que
Opinion communément partagée
Légende communément racontée

Food/Cooking

Ingrédient communément ajouté
Plat communément servi
Nom communément donné à
Technique communément employée

Amorces de conversation

"Quels sont les noms qu'on donne communément aux animaux de compagnie dans ton pays ?"

"Est-il communément admis dans ta culture que le travail acharné mène au succès ?"

"Quelles sont les erreurs que les gens font communément quand ils apprennent ta langue ?"

"Comment appelle-t-on communément les habitants de ta ville ?"

"Y a-t-il une légende urbaine communément crue dans ta région ?"

Sujets d'écriture

Décris un objet technique mais explique comment on l'appelle communément dans ta vie quotidienne.

Réfléchis à une idée communément admise qui, selon toi, est totalement fausse.

Quelles sont les traditions communément pratiquées lors des mariages dans ta famille ?

Écris sur une chanson qui est communément jouée lors des fêtes dans ton pays.

Discute d'une règle de politesse qui est communément suivie dans ton environnement professionnel.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is considered a neutral to formal word. You will find it more in books, news, and professional settings than in casual street slang. However, it is not so formal that it sounds out of place in a normal conversation when explaining a fact or a name.

Usually, no. 'Communément' implies a collective or shared habit. For your own routines, use 'habituellement' or 'd'habitude'. For example, 'Je mange communément des pommes' sounds like you are a whole community eating apples. Say 'Je mange habituellement des pommes' instead.

It almost always goes after the conjugated verb. In the present tense: 'Il agit communément'. In the passé composé: 'Il a communément agi' (or 'Il a agi communément'). Never put it between the subject and the verb like in English.

'Généralement' is more common in speech and focuses on what happens in most cases. 'Communément' focuses on what is shared by the public, especially names ('communément appelé') or beliefs ('communément admis').

No. In French, all adverbs are invariable. They never change their spelling to match the subject or the verb. It is always 'communément'.

Etymologically, yes. They both come from the Latin 'communis' (shared). However, 'communément' is a neutral adverb about frequency and naming, while 'communisme' is a specific political ideology. Using the adverb does not have political connotations.

It is rare. If you do, you should follow it with a comma: 'Communément, on admet que...'. However, it is much more natural to say 'Il est communément admis que...'.

It is always 'communément' with an acute accent on the 'é'. This is because it is formed from the feminine adjective 'commune', and the 'e' changes to 'é' when adding '-ment' in some French adverbs.

You could use 'qu'on appelle souvent' or 'connu sous le nom de'. For example: 'Le sel, connu sous le nom de chlorure de sodium...'.

No. For speaking a language fluently, the correct word is 'couramment'. For example: 'Je parle couramment français'.

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