a shared interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shared interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a common area of enthusiasm or concern between two or more parties. Example: "The two organizations decided to collaborate on the project due to their shared interest in environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a shared interest.

The Guardian - Sport

They had a shared interest in animal anatomy.

The New Yorker

They have a shared interest in press freedom.

The Guardian

The duo discovered they had a shared interest in opera.

The Guardian - Arts

They also have a shared interest in developing powerful weapons.

The New York Times

His friendship with Mr. Obama evolved into a shared interest in the problems of urban education.

The New York Times

When football fans talk to one another, they find a shared interest that defies national borders.

The Guardian - Opinion

Smiling a contained, respectful smile, a smile that assumed a shared interest here.

The New Yorker

A shared interest in the federal statistical system brought Granquist and Caddell together.

The New Yorker

She said a shared interest in a toy could help foster that bond.

The New York Times

We have common goals, and a shared interest in achieving them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shared interest" to build connections or relationships within professional settings. Identifying common ground can foster collaboration and improve communication.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of "a shared interest" if it's merely superficial. Be realistic about how much it contributes to a relationship or collaboration. If people have "a shared interest", do not assume that they share all the same values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shared interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a common area of enthusiasm, concern, or activity between two or more entities. Ludwig examples show it connecting individuals, groups, or even nations, united by a particular subject or goal. It identifies something that two or more have in common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shared interest" is a noun phrase used to denote a common area of enthusiasm or concern between multiple parties. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to highlight common ground, foster collaboration, and build relationships. The phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, including news media, academia, and formal business communications. While it is important to avoid overstating its significance, identifying and leveraging shared interests can be a valuable tool for building connections and achieving common goals. Related phrases include "a common interest" and "a mutual interest", offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common interest

Emphasizes the aspect of having something in common, slightly more general.

a mutual interest

Highlights reciprocity in the interest, implying both parties benefit or are engaged.

a shared passion

Indicates a strong enthusiasm or excitement that is jointly felt.

a common concern

Focuses on a shared worry or issue of importance.

a joint interest

Stresses the collaborative or combined nature of the interest.

a coinciding interest

Indicates that the interests align or occur at the same time.

a converging interest

Suggests that different interests are coming together or meeting at a point.

a like mind

Focuses on having similar thoughts and/or intentions.

a common ground

Highlights the shared basis for understanding or agreement.

a shared focus

Emphasizes alignment on a specific goal or area of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shared interest" to describe common passions or concerns between people or groups. For example: "The two companies found "a shared interest" in developing sustainable technologies".

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

While similar, "a shared interest" implies that the interest is actively participated in or felt by multiple parties, while "a common interest" simply indicates a similarity in what is found interesting or important. They are largely interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "a shared interest"?

You can use alternatives like "a mutual interest", "a common concern", or "a joint interest" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'We have a shared interest on X'?

It is more standard to say 'We have a shared interest in X'. The preposition 'in' is typically used to connect the interest to its subject.