Diamondrg  +  280821 Sat, 14 Oct 06 05:13 PM 1   Is it usual for James to be so late? 2   It's very common to see people having a picnic in the park? Is it correct to use usual in 2 and common in 1? If not, why? Diamondrg Joined on Fri, Dec 2 2005 Contributing Member 1,043

	Marius Hancu  +  280836 Sat, 14 Oct 06 05:42 PM usual relates to frequency, being customary (stresses the absence of strangeness; applicable to whatever is expected happens in the ordinary course of events) common relates to being normal, not special (implies the lack of distinguishing or exceptional qualities; it suggests usualness, everyday character or quality, or frequency of occurence; From: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms. You should buy it.) Try using this dictionary: http://www.bartleby.com/61/29/C0512900.html http://www.bartleby.com/61/88/U0158800.html Marius Hancu Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006 Veteran Member 11,673 Synonyms