a common faith

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common faith" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a shared belief or set of beliefs among a group of people, often in a religious or philosophical context. Example: "Despite their different backgrounds, the community was united by a common faith that guided their actions and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"This showed that having a common faith was not a litmus test.

Independent

The unity and companionship that existed between the races in the South prior to the war was the fruit of a common faith.

The New Yorker

Mr. Reid and Mr. Romney share a common faith and deep connections to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The New York Times

What unites all these troops is a common faith, Kaplan writes — a belief in their unit, their cause and the moral justness of their mission.

The New York Times - Books

And yet we share a common faith that informs the positions we take, even as it leads us in opposite directions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also called on evangelicals to embrace an ecumenical spirit in the name of presenting a common faith, and to be involved in society to combat social evils.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Thus, it was fundamental to fascism to create a civil religion that would bind the nation together in a new common faith and loyalty.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Readers can come to their own conclusions, but one thing that seems to emerge across the various case studies is that when Americans have shown a strong common faith in the democracy— when they have sought above all to safeguard the democracy and sustain it and strengthen it — this common faith has been the glue that held them together.

Harvard University

In 2001 he proclaimed: "Love generates love and separation generates separation". Shenouda visited Pope Paul VI in Rome in 1973 and signed a declaration of common faith.

The Guardian

One cluster program manager whose program only nominally identified with the common faith nevertheless professed that a commonality of faith was the crucial factor for their involvement in the cluster.

BMC Health Services Research

The only way forward, out of the sinful trap of passive acceptance, is a basic tenet of our common faith: the mandate to serve as our brothers' and sisters' keepers.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common faith", ensure the context clearly defines what that faith entails. Be specific about the tenets or practices that constitute the shared belief to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the specifics of the "common faith" being discussed. Always provide sufficient context, especially when writing for a diverse audience. If you do not specify, you risk alienating readers and diluting your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common faith" functions as a noun phrase. It serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a shared belief system, often in a religious context. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common faith" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes shared beliefs, often in a religious or spiritual context. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its usability and correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context about the specific beliefs to avoid ambiguity and to foster clear communication with your audience. Alternatives like "shared belief system" or "mutual religious conviction" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

united in faith

Expresses the concept of unity derived from shared faith.

common set of beliefs

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of faith as a set of beliefs.

shared belief system

Replaces "faith" with "belief system", emphasizing the structured nature of the shared beliefs.

mutual religious conviction

More formal and specifically refers to religious beliefs.

unified religious view

Highlights a single, cohesive perspective on religious matters.

collective spiritual values

Focuses on spiritual aspects and shared values rather than specific doctrines.

shared spiritual ground

Emphasizes the commonality and connection through spirituality.

shared religious heritage

Highlights the historical and traditional aspects of the shared faith.

collective faith tradition

Implies an established and historical practice of shared faith.

common spiritual identity

Highlights the shared sense of self defined by spiritual beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common faith" to describe a shared religious or spiritual belief that unites a group of people. For example, "Their "common faith" helped them overcome many challenges".

What's the difference between "a common faith" and "shared values"?

"A common faith" typically refers to shared religious or spiritual beliefs, while "shared values" encompasses broader principles and ideals, such as ethics, morality, or cultural norms. Shared values do not necessarily need to be religiously grounded.

What are some alternatives to "a common faith"?

Alternatives include "shared belief system", "mutual religious conviction", or "collective spiritual values", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a common faith" in a secular context?

While "a common faith" usually implies a religious context, it can be used metaphorically in secular settings to describe a strong, shared belief in something, such as a political ideology or a social cause. However, using it in such contexts may require careful consideration of potential connotations.