a mutual friend

USAGE SUMMARY

'a mutual friend' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who is known by both people in a conversation or story. For example, "I heard about the party from a mutual friend of ours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A mutual friend introduced them.

The New York Times - Sports

Karen: Through a mutual friend in Boston.

The New York Times

He met Pool through a mutual friend.

The New Yorker

GEORGE PACKER: A mutual friend introduced us.

The New Yorker

(They met through a mutual friend).

The New Yorker

A mutual friend connected Just and Hughes via e-mail.

The New Yorker

Ms. Ellis approached Michael Kors through a mutual friend.

The New York Times

I rang a mutual friend I usually avoided.

The New Yorker

The couple met in December 2007 through a mutual friend.

The New York Times

In 1930, Tagore met Albert Einstein through a mutual friend.

The New Yorker

"A mutual friend scheduled a meeting, and things progressed rapidly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mutual friend" to subtly imply a shared social circle or history, which can add depth to your narrative or conversation.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of "a mutual friend". Just because two people know the same person doesn't guarantee rapport or shared values. Don't assume an instant bond.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mutual friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically as an appositive or complement, identifying a person known to two or more individuals. Ludwig examples show its use in explaining relationships or connections between people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mutual friend" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a person known by two or more individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and wiki articles. Its function is to establish a connection or shared social circle, and its register is generally neutral. When using the phrase, avoid assuming too much familiarity based solely on the shared acquaintance. Alternatives include "a shared acquaintance" or "a common contact", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friend in common

Reorders the words while maintaining the same core meaning.

someone we both know

Similar to 'a person we both know' but uses 'someone' for brevity.

a shared acquaintance

Replaces 'friend' with 'acquaintance', suggesting a less intimate relationship.

a person we both know

Offers a more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

a common contact

Uses 'contact' to emphasize the professional or transactional nature of the relationship.

a contact known to both

Combines 'contact' with 'known to both' for a concise alternative.

someone known by each of us

A slightly more formal and explanatory version.

an acquaintance known to both of us

Formal and descriptive, emphasizing the shared knowledge.

an associate we have in common

Uses 'associate', indicating a professional or less personal relationship.

a connection we share

Highlights the connection rather than the person.

FAQs

How can I use "a mutual friend" in a sentence?

You can use "a mutual friend" to explain how two people know each other, such as "They met through "a mutual friend" at a conference".

What's a more formal way to say "a mutual friend"?

More formal alternatives include "a shared acquaintance" or "a common contact", depending on the context. These options may be suitable in professional or academic settings.

Is it always appropriate to mention "a mutual friend"?

While usually harmless, consider the context. If the information is irrelevant or could potentially cause discomfort (e.g., mentioning an ex as "a mutual friend"), it's best to omit it.

What can I say instead of "a mutual friend" to emphasize a professional relationship?

To emphasize a professional connection, use phrases such as "a shared colleague" or "a common associate". These terms highlight the business context of the relationship.