a common denominator

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common denominator" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a shared characteristic or element among a group of things or people. Example: "Despite their vastly different backgrounds and perspectives, the members of the committee found a common denominator in their passion for improving the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a common denominator".

The New York Times

"There's a common denominator," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But there is a common denominator: elegance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's a common denominator," Wagman-Geller says.

The Washington Post

And in them he finds a common denominator.

The New York Times

It just feels like those songs are a common denominator.

The New York Times - Magazine

Defensive failings were a common denominator in the two goals.

The Guardian - Sport

But to Parcells, the 10 have a common denominator.

The New York Times - Sports

Inflammation is a common denominator in chronic diseases of aging.

Harvard University

There really is a common denominator," he said.

Stanford University

There's a common denominator in what's not working," says Weiss.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common denominator", ensure it accurately reflects the shared attribute among the elements you're discussing. Overuse can diminish its impact, so consider synonyms like "shared characteristic" or "unifying element" for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "a common denominator" when the elements share only superficial similarities. The attribute should be a significant and meaningful point of connection, not just a trivial detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common denominator" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a shared characteristic or element that links otherwise disparate items or concepts, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common denominator" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that identifies a shared attribute or unifying element, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most often found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it is important to ensure that the identified commonality is significant and not merely superficial. Consider using synonyms such as "a shared characteristic" or "a unifying element" to add variety to your writing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "a common denominator" to highlight connections and foster comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared characteristic

Focuses on the attribute being shared, rather than the entity doing the sharing.

a unifying element

Emphasizes the aspect of bringing things together.

a common attribute

Highlights a quality that is shared.

a connecting link

Suggests a tangible connection between different elements.

a shared trait

Focuses on an inherited or intrinsic characteristic.

a unifying factor

Emphasizes the role of bringing disparate elements into a single unit.

a common thread

Implies a theme or idea that runs through different elements.

a point of convergence

Highlights where different things meet or agree.

a similarity

Refers to a state of being alike without necessarily implying unification.

a recurring theme

Stresses the repeated presence of an idea or element.

FAQs

How can I use "a common denominator" in a sentence?

Use "a common denominator" to highlight a shared trait or characteristic among different things. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, the team members found "a common ground" in their dedication to the project."

What's "a common factor" and "a common denominator"?

"A common denominator" and "a common factor" both refer to something shared. However, "a common denominator" often implies something that unifies diverse elements, while "a common factor" simply indicates a shared element.

What can I say instead of "a common denominator"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared characteristic", "a unifying element", or "a common attribute" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the common denominator is"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to say "the common denominator is" when referring to a specific shared characteristic. For instance, "In all these cases, the common denominator is a lack of communication."