both have in common

USAGE SUMMARY

“both have in common” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two people, things, ideas, or experiences that have something in common. For example: "My two friends, Ingrid and Rob, both have a love of travel in common."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

HELLOOOOOO, ever heard of Mark Zuckerburg, the creator of Facebook, who is currently worth $33.3 billion??? Do you know what he and Bill Gates both have in common?

Huffington Post

The latter two both have in common a smooth and oblate ventral side.

Plosone

The one thing they both have in common, however, is an unshakeable mother-and-daughter bond.

Independent

Is that cross-disciplinary approach something that you both have in common?

The New York Times

What both types of heresy both have in common, in their apolitical aspirations, is a blissed-out disregard for fellow human beings.

The Guardian - Opinion

That being said, the one thing you both have in common is the finite resource we all have access to -- time.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

What would you say you both had in common?

Independent

And that was the genius they both had in common.

HuffPost

What both had in common was a longing for a better life - they did not come to destroy this country but to build it as they made their own lives better.

Huffington Post

What both models have in common is that they both utilize "product integration", the insertion of products, brands and retailers into the show, to generate revenue.

Forbes

It worked for both American and Japanese audiences because violence and media is something both cultures have in common.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both have in common", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "both cats and dogs have fur in common" instead of just saying "both have fur in common".

Common error

Avoid using "both have in common" without specifying what 'both' refers to. Unclear references can confuse readers. Instead of saying, "They both have this in common", be specific, such as "Both the protagonist and the antagonist share a tragic past."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both have in common" functions as a connector, linking two subjects by highlighting a shared attribute or characteristic. It's a versatile expression for emphasizing similarities, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both have in common" serves as a connector highlighting shared attributes between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While "both have in common" is common, writers should aim for clarity by specifying what 'both' refers to. Alternatives like "share a common attribute" can add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively use "both have in common" to create clear and concise comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have features in common

Similar meaning, but focuses on the aspect of 'features'.

have a shared characteristic

Directly points out a characteristic that is not unique between them.

share a common attribute

Emphasizes a shared characteristic rather than a general similarity.

possess a mutual quality

Highlights that the quality is shared, focusing on the characteristic itself.

display a similar trait

Focuses on a specific trait that is demonstrably similar.

are alike in some respect

Indicates similarity but is less specific about what they share.

share some similarities

Highlights the similarities, but could imply that there are also differences.

exhibit similar properties

More formal and technical, often used in scientific or analytical contexts.

are comparable in this aspect

Focuses on comparability instead of direct commonality.

bear a resemblance

Suggests a more superficial similarity or likeness.

FAQs

How can I use "both have in common" in a sentence?

You can use "both have in common" to point out shared attributes. For example, "What "both have in common" is their dedication to the cause."

What are some alternatives to using "both have in common"?

Alternatives include "share a common attribute", "have a shared characteristic", or "have features in common".

Is it grammatically correct to say "both have in common"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, ensure the context clearly indicates what "both" refers to in order to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "both have in common" and "share"?

"Share" is a more concise alternative. While "both have in common" emphasizes the shared aspect, "share" directly states the commonality. For example, "They share a passion for music" is more direct than "What "both have in common" is their passion for music".