common interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common interest" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that two or more people share, such as an activity, hobby, pastime, or field of study. For example, "John and Mary have a common interest in photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was our common interest".

The New York Times - Arts

"Green is our common interest".

The New York Times

What is the common interest?

The New York Times

And it's in our common interest.

The New York Times

But there's a common interest.

The Guardian

It creates a common interest.

Harvard University

[At Scher's] we had a common interest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This disparate group shared a common interest.

The New York Times - Sports

That is simply intolerable in the common interest".

The Guardian

dropout discovering a common interest in film and theater.

The New York Times

We have a common interest in fighting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, clarify the specific nature of the "common interest". Instead of vaguely stating that two groups share a "common interest", specify whether it's a shared hobby, a business objective, or a political goal for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "common interest" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, detail the specific area of alignment. For instance, rather than saying "They have a common interest", specify "They share a common interest in sustainable energy solutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a shared concern, goal, or activity. Ludwig provides examples showing how it connects individuals or groups based on mutual affinities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "common interest" is a versatile and widely used term that signifies a shared concern, goal, or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. While alternatives such as ""shared interest"" or ""mutual concern"" exist, "common interest" remains a clear and effective way to describe alignment between individuals or groups. Remember to specify the nature of the shared interest for maximum clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared interest

Focuses on the aspect of sharing, implying mutual engagement.

mutual concern

Highlights a shared worry or issue.

shared objective

Emphasizes a common goal or aim.

common goal

Similar to 'shared objective' but slightly broader, encompassing any shared aim.

shared passion

Implies a strong enthusiasm that is jointly held.

mutual benefit

Highlights the advantage that multiple parties gain.

converging interests

Suggests that separate interests are coming together or aligning.

areas of agreement

Focuses on points where people have similar opinions or beliefs.

shared values

Refers to fundamental beliefs or principles held in common.

community of interest

Emphasizes a group of people who share something in common.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "common interest" in a sentence?

Use "common interest" to highlight shared aspects between entities. For instance, "The two nations discovered a "shared interest" in environmental conservation" or "Finding a "mutual concern" can help bridge divides".

What phrases can I use instead of "common interest"?

Alternatives include ""shared interest"", "mutual benefit", or "shared objective", each offering slightly different nuances depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a common interest between" or "a common interest among"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "between" is generally used for two entities, while "among" is used for three or more. For example, "a common interest between John and Mary" versus "a common interest among the committee members".

What is the difference between "common interest" and "self-interest"?

"Common interest" refers to a shared benefit or goal among a group, while "self-interest" pertains to an individual's personal advantage or gain. They represent opposing motivations in decision-making.