common pursuits

USAGE SUMMARY

"common pursuits" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means activities or interests shared by a group of people. Example: Our friendship was formed through our common pursuits of hiking and photography.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The police were trying to determine what led to the death of Denesha Blow, a fourth grader who loved her modern-dance class, mathematics and the common pursuits of her age group -- computer games and double-Dutch jump rope.

The New York Times

The heroes of novels don't have to be likeable, and as the epitome of disengagement, cut off from common pursuits and recognisable feelings, Packer isn't someone we're meant to engage with.

The Guardian - Books

Reviewing Cosmopolis in these pages, Blake Morrison argued that "The heroes of novels don't have to be likeable, and as the epitome of disengagement, cut off from common pursuits and recognisable feelings, Packer isn't someone we're meant to engage with".

The Guardian - Books

In other words, meaning is only possible when embedded in these common pursuits that are, in the case of a) shared by all, and in the case of b) shared by some.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the last 40 years, the six Gopnik siblings have been scattered across two continents, and you and I, despite many common pursuits and pleasures, have never lived less than a thousand miles apart.

The New York Times - Books

While these ambitious fellows shared common pursuits, they did not always agree on the significance of their findings.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Rangeland grazing is a more common pursuit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A sense of a common pursuit is what we need to revive the Habs.

The New Yorker

His range is perhaps best shown in the collection The Common Pursuit (1952).

Britannica

Why has he felt impelled to write "The Common Pursuit" now?

The New York Times - Arts

The most common pursuit was a sport or a physical activity (38% of people).

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common pursuits" to describe activities that are genuinely shared and enjoyed by a group, emphasizing the shared aspect of the involvement. For instance, instead of simply stating people are in a club, highlight their "common pursuits" within that club.

Common error

Avoid using "common pursuits" without specifying whose pursuits are common. Always clarify the group or individuals involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Common pursuits are enjoyable", specify "The group's common pursuits are enjoyable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common pursuits" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'common' modifies 'pursuits'. It denotes shared activities or interests among individuals. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common pursuits" refers to activities, interests, or goals shared by a group. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While considered neutral to slightly formal, it is used to emphasize the shared aspect of these endeavors. Related phrases include "shared interests", "joint activities", and "mutual endeavors". To ensure clarity, always specify whose pursuits are common. While not exceedingly frequent, this phrase is a valuable addition to your vocabulary for describing shared activities. News & Media and Academia count for most of the resources for this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared interests

Focuses specifically on the interests that are shared, rather than the activities themselves.

joint activities

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of the activities.

mutual endeavors

Suggests a more formal or significant undertaking.

collective pastimes

Implies leisure activities enjoyed together.

shared undertakings

Similar to 'mutual endeavors' but can apply to less formal activities.

communal activities

Highlights the community aspect of the shared activities.

group interests

Focuses on the interests of a group.

collaborative activities

Emphasizes the collaboration involved.

united efforts

Highlights working together towards a common goal.

concerted actions

Suggests a planned and coordinated effort.

FAQs

What does "common pursuits" mean?

"Common pursuits" refers to activities, interests, or goals that are shared and actively engaged in by a group of people.

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

You can use "common pursuits" to describe shared interests, such as, "Their "shared interests" and hobbies became their "common pursuits"."

What are some alternatives to "common pursuits"?

Alternatives to "common pursuits" include "shared interests", "joint activities", or "mutual endeavors", depending on the specific context.

Is "common pursuits" formal or informal?

"Common pursuits" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both written and spoken contexts.