a common interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a shared concern or topic that multiple people or groups are interested in. Example: "The committee was formed to address a common interest in environmental sustainability among the community members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

[At Scher's] we had a common interest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This disparate group shared a common interest.

The New York Times - Sports

dropout discovering a common interest in film and theater.

The New York Times

We have a common interest in fighting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having a common interest can break the ice.

The New York Times

We have a common interest in defeating them".

The New York Times

No danger of separation if you realize a common interest".

The New Yorker

There is a common interest to make sanctions work".

The New York Times

Countries will have a common interest in security of supply.

The Economist

Clearly they have a common interest in working together to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

The New York Times

Nearly all countries, whatever their politics, have a common interest in elementary security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common interest" to build rapport in professional settings by identifying shared goals or values. This helps to establish a connection and foster collaboration.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone involved shares the same level of enthusiasm or understanding of "a common interest". Acknowledge diverse perspectives to prevent alienation and promote inclusivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting something that is shared or held jointly by multiple entities. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usage in describing shared concerns or hobbies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common interest" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe shared concerns, hobbies, or goals. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common across diverse sources, including news media, science, and wikis. While its register is generally neutral, awareness of context is crucial to maintaining inclusivity, as assuming shared perspectives can lead to miscommunication. Alternative phrases like "a shared passion" or "a mutual concern" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. In essence, "a common interest" serves as a foundation for connection, fostering relationships and facilitating collaboration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared passion

Emphasizes the emotional intensity and enthusiasm associated with the shared interest. This alternative has a slightly stronger emotional connotation.

a mutual concern

Highlights a shared worry or responsibility, shifting the focus from enjoyment to a sense of shared obligation.

a collective goal

Suggests that the shared interest is geared towards achieving a specific objective or outcome, implying collaboration and purpose.

a unifying theme

Implies that the common interest acts as a central idea or subject that brings people together, often used in creative or intellectual contexts.

a joint endeavor

Highlights the collaborative nature of pursuing the shared interest, suggesting a combined effort towards a common aim.

a connecting thread

This phrase suggests that the interest serves to link individuals together. It evokes a sense of subtle but significant connection.

a convergent focus

Implies a coming together of different perspectives or efforts towards a central point of interest, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

a reciprocal benefit

Implies the interest provides gains to all involved parties. This is suited when the interest has measurable advantages.

a parallel preoccupation

This implies that individuals separately have the same interests, but this has a negative connotation.

a sympathetic vibration

Draws upon the concept of feeling similar emotions based on the common interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common interest" to describe a shared concern or hobby, as in "They bonded over "a common interest" in environmental conservation".

What is a synonym for "a common interest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a shared passion", "a mutual concern", or "a collective goal", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "common interest" or "shared interest"?

Both "common interest" and "shared interest" are correct and largely interchangeable. However, "shared interest" might subtly emphasize the act of sharing, while "common interest" simply highlights the existence of a mutual interest.

How does "a common interest" facilitate relationships?

"A common interest" provides a foundation for connection and conversation, allowing individuals to find common ground and build rapport. It's often the starting point for friendships and collaborations.