a common language for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common language for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a shared means of communication or understanding among a group of people or entities. Example: "English serves as a common language for international business negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cooperation requires a common language for communication.

Automation in Construction

We now have a common language for how these things work, and that's interesting".

The Guardian - Tech

The assumption here is that defining a common language for all queries is not desirable.

Information Sciences

The framework can serve as a common language for discourse about knowledge manipulation.

Information & Management

But it has often struck me that we lack a common language for describing misbehavior behind the wheel.

The New York Times

Interbrand says, "Brand valuation provides a common language for brand performance around which a company can be galvanised and organised.

The Guardian

"We would like to turn Line into a common language for the world," said Akira Morikawa, chief executive of Line.

The New York Times - Tech

However, commerce on the Internet is seriously hindered by the lack of a common language for collaborative commercial activities.

Decision Support Systems

XML has become a common language for data exchange on the Web, so it needs to be managed effectively.

Knowledge-Based Systems

But Khartabil's most enduring Creative Commons legacy, Peters argues, was in leading negotiations that established a common language for talking about Creative Commons in Arabic.

The Guardian - Tech

The Defense Department wanted a common language for accounting and business data, and the result at the end of 1959 was Cobol, for Common Business Oriented Language.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in technical or cross-disciplinary contexts, ensure that the "common language" you establish is well-defined and accessible to all participants. This may involve glossaries or training materials.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone interprets the "common language" in the same way. Explicitly define key terms and concepts to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common language for" serves as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the purpose or beneficiary of a shared means of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common language for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating a shared system of communication. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and business. The phrase functions to express the need for mutual understanding and is found in neutral registers. Establishing a well-defined "common language" is crucial for improving collaboration and preventing miscommunication, especially in diverse or technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared terminology for

Replaces "language" with "terminology", focusing on a set of defined terms rather than a broader communication system.

a uniform vocabulary for

Substitutes "language" with "vocabulary", highlighting the use of specific words and phrases for mutual comprehension.

a standard lexicon for

Uses "lexicon" instead of "language", focusing on a dictionary or collection of words used in a particular domain.

a consistent nomenclature for

Replaces "language" with "nomenclature", implying a structured system of naming conventions for clarity.

a mutual means of communication for

Emphasizes the mutual aspect and the function of communication, rather than a structured language.

a unified mode of expression for

Highlights a single way of expressing ideas, differing from language which implies a more complete system.

an agreed-upon communication protocol for

Focuses on protocol rather than language, useful when discussing technical or procedural communication.

a framework for mutual understanding

Shifts from language to the broader goal of mutual understanding, allowing for non-verbal communication.

a basis for shared discourse

Focuses on the foundation for discussion, which can be broader than just linguistic understanding.

a bridge for intercultural dialogue

Emphasizes the bridge-building aspect when different cultures attempt to communicate.

FAQs

How can "a common language for" improve collaboration?

Establishing "a common language for" ensures all team members share the same understanding of terms and concepts, which reduces miscommunication and streamlines workflows. This shared understanding facilitates better coordination and problem-solving.

What's the difference between "a common terminology for" and "a common language for"?

"A common language for" refers to a broad system of communication, while "a common terminology for" focuses specifically on a shared set of terms and definitions. The former is more comprehensive, encompassing grammar and syntax, whereas the latter is more focused on vocabulary.

In what situations is it crucial to establish "a common language for"?

It's particularly crucial in interdisciplinary projects, international collaborations, and within organizations undergoing significant change. Establishing "a common language for" helps bridge gaps in understanding and ensures everyone is working towards the same goals.

What are some strategies for developing "a common language for" in a diverse team?

Strategies include creating a glossary of key terms, conducting training sessions to ensure a shared understanding, and encouraging open communication to address any ambiguities. Active listening and a willingness to adapt language are also essential.