common fate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common fate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups share the same outcome or destiny, often in a collective context. Example: "In times of crisis, we must remember that we all share a common fate and should support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Homelessness is a common fate.

The New York Times

A common fate for wilderness everywhere.

The New York Times - Arts

"We have common historic roots, a common fate, history, culture".

The New York Times

ReprintsSummary execution is a common fate for Kenyan criminals.

The Economist

Harajuku Miccolo, Colombin's signature character, is cute yet obscure – the common fate for most yuru-kyara.

The Guardian

So will Isaac and Isma'il meet a common fate as "Vicious Circle" comes to a close?

The New York Times

But the restaurant went bankrupt, a common fate for businesses in the Philippines.

The New Yorker

"The euro is our common fate, and Europe is our common future," she said.

The New York Times

There was no judgment after death, a common fate awaiting the good and the bad alike.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This year, Pleyel was bought by a French investment fund, a common fate for piano manufacturers.

The New York Times

Ben Stokes plucked a moment of exceptional vigour out of our common fate of frailty.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid sounding repetitive, especially in longer texts, vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "shared destiny" or "collective outcome", depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "common fate" when discussing situations where individual outcomes significantly differ despite superficial similarities. It's more suited to scenarios where the end result is genuinely shared, not just influenced by common factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common fate" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. Examples show it describing shared outcomes in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common fate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes a shared destiny or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most often in News & Media and Scientific contexts, though it is versatile enough for use in both formal and informal settings. Related phrases include "shared destiny" and "collective outcome". When using "common fate", ensure it accurately reflects a truly shared outcome rather than just superficially similar situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared destiny

Focuses on the idea of a predetermined shared outcome, adding a sense of inevitability.

collective destiny

Similar to "shared destiny", but emphasizing the group aspect and a future outcome.

joint future

Highlights the shared aspect of what is to come, particularly suitable when discussing plans or goals.

common future

Emphasizes a shared time to come, referring to events that will happen in the future.

shared experience

Focuses on a shared event or period, rather than an eventual outcome.

mutual destiny

Stresses the reciprocal nature of the shared outcome, but less commonly used.

collective experience

Refers to an experience that is shared among many people.

shared lot

Implies that a particular destiny is assigned or drawn, can have negative connotations.

common lot

Similar to "shared lot" it implies a circumstance or situation shared by a group.

interconnected destiny

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of the parties sharing destiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "common fate" to illustrate how a group of people or entities share the same future or outcome. For example: "Despite their differences, they recognized their "common fate" depended on cooperation."

What's a more formal alternative to "common fate"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "shared destiny" or "collective outcome". These alternatives often suit academic or professional contexts.

How does "common fate" differ from "common goal"?

"Common fate" refers to a shared outcome or destiny, whether desired or not. In contrast, "common goal" refers to a shared objective or aim that people are actively working towards.

Is "common fate" always a negative concept?

No, "common fate" is not inherently negative. It simply describes a shared destiny, which can be positive (e.g., achieving a shared success), negative (e.g., facing a shared crisis), or neutral (e.g., experiencing a "shared experience").