a common thread

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common thread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a similarity that exists between different people, ideas, or stories. For example, "Though the characters in the novel come from different backgrounds, they all share a common thread of fighting for what is right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sacrifice is a common thread.

The New York Times

Has that been a common thread?

The New Yorker

Is there a common thread here?

The New York Times

These corporate collapses have a common thread.

The New York Times

But neuroscientists have uncovered a common thread.

The New York Times - Science

Still, there is a common thread.

The New York Times

'Survival' seems to be a common thread.

The Guardian - Music

A common thread was frugality about cars.

The New York Times

There is a common thread between these different problems.

The Guardian

Treachery is a common thread in Mr Seselj's political career.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But there's still a common thread.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a common thread" with a concise explanation of what the thread is. Instead of just saying, "There's a common thread," specify, "There's a common thread: a focus on sustainability."

Common error

Avoid using "a common thread" as a vague placeholder. Always specify what the thread is to maintain clarity and avoid weakening your argument. For example, instead of "A common thread runs through these events," specify, "A common thread runs through these events: a disregard for ethical considerations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common thread" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a recurring element or characteristic shared by multiple entities or situations. Ludwig shows its widespread use across various contexts to connect seemingly disparate ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common thread" is a versatile noun phrase used to highlight shared elements or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. To maximize its impact, follow it with a clear explanation of the shared element to avoid vagueness. It appears most frequently in News & Media. When using "a common thread", consider related phrases like "a unifying theme" or "a shared characteristic" for variety. Remember to specify what the thread is to provide clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common denominator

Highlights the shared aspect among various things.

a shared characteristic

Emphasizes a feature that is common to multiple entities.

a linking theme

Implies that a particular theme connects multiple aspects or ideas.

a unifying theme

Focuses on the idea of bringing things together under one central idea.

a binding factor

Focuses on what unites or holds different things together.

a connecting link

Suggests a relationship that binds different things together.

a central element

Focuses on the importance of an element present in different situations.

a unifying force

Suggests a power or influence that brings disparate elements into a cohesive whole.

a recurring motif

Highlights the repetition of a particular element or idea.

a consistent pattern

Emphasizes the repetition and predictability of the similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common thread" to highlight a recurring theme or similarity between different elements. For example, "Despite their diverse backgrounds, "a common thread" among the team members was their dedication to social justice".

What phrases are similar to "a common thread"?

Similar phrases include "a unifying theme", "a shared characteristic", or "a connecting link", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a common theme" or "a common thread"?

Both "a common theme" and "a common thread" are correct and often interchangeable. "A common theme" might be preferred when discussing abstract concepts, while "a common thread" can suggest a more tangible or interwoven connection.

How can I make my use of "a common thread" more effective in writing?

To effectively use "a common thread", clearly identify what that thread is. Instead of just stating that there's a connection, explain it. For example, instead of just stating "There's "a common thread"", specify what the commonality is: "The "common thread" in their stories is resilience in the face of adversity".