common interest in

USAGE SUMMARY

"common interest in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe shared interests that two or more people or groups have. For example, "My friends and I have a common interest in hiking and exploring nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

dropout discovering a common interest in film and theater.

The New York Times

We have a common interest in fighting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a common interest in defeating them".

The New York Times

Countries will have a common interest in security of supply.

The Economist

Clearly they have a common interest in working together to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

The New York Times

Nearly all countries, whatever their politics, have a common interest in elementary security.

The New York Times

We have a common interest in returning Rolls-Royce to profitable growth," said Rolls-Royce.

The Guardian - Business

No two countries have more common interest in the futures of Afghanistan and Iraq...

The New Yorker

When its neighbors perceived a common interest in a peaceful Afghanistan, it was at peace.

The New York Times

He and Mr. Edwards found they had a common interest in poverty issues.

The New York Times

He said the west and Iran had a common interest in containing Isis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common interest in", clearly define what that interest is to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just stating "they share a common interest", specify "they share a common interest in environmental conservation".

Common error

Avoid using "common interest in" as a vague connector without specifying the area of interest. Saying "they have a common interest" without further clarification leaves the reader wondering what exactly unites them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common interest in" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a shared area of concern, passion, or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common interest in" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to express a shared passion, concern, or objective. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and is widely employed across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, though clarity is key to avoiding vagueness. By specifying the area of interest, writers can effectively use "common interest in" to establish connection and unity within their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common ground in

Suggests shared beliefs, values, or experiences that create a basis for understanding or agreement.

shared passion for

Emphasizes the emotional or enthusiastic aspect of the shared interest.

shared focus on

Emphasizes a common area of attention or priority.

overlapping interests in

Indicates that the interests of different parties partially coincide or intersect.

mutual concern regarding

Highlights a shared worry or issue that both parties are invested in addressing.

collective goal of

Highlights a shared aim or objective that multiple parties are working towards.

joint stake in

Suggests a shared investment or involvement in something, often with implications of benefit or loss.

united by

Highlights something that brings people or groups together.

converging views on

Focuses on shared opinions or perspectives regarding a particular matter.

aligned with

Indicates that interests or goals are in agreement or harmony.

FAQs

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

You can use "common interest in" to describe a shared passion, concern, or objective between two or more parties. For example: "The two countries share a "common interest in" maintaining regional stability".

What's a formal alternative to "common interest in"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "mutual concern regarding" or "joint stake in" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

How does "common interest in" differ from "mutual interest in"?

"Common interest in" implies a shared concern or passion, while "mutual interest in" suggests a reciprocal benefit or advantage. The former is about shared values, the latter is about what each party gains.

When is it appropriate to use "common interest in"?

Use "common interest in" when you want to emphasize a shared passion, concern, or objective that unites individuals or groups. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary.