common thread between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common thread between" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe a connection between two or more seemingly unrelated things. For example, "I noticed a common thread between all of the videos we watched in class today - they all featured strong female protagonists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The common thread between those teams?

The New York Times - Sports

The common thread between those five states?

The Washington Post

There is a common thread between these different problems.

The Guardian

"I play, like, the glue, the common thread between everyone, trying to make everyone happy".

The Guardian - Film

Diversity is the greatest asset of cities worldwide as well as the common thread between us.

The New York Times - Arts

Elderkin points to a common thread between the musicians he's worked with.

The Guardian

Naturally, there is a common thread between his songs and clothes.

The New York Times

The common thread between these three architectures is their implementation in frequency domain.

Digital Signal Processing

"If there's one common thread between the teams over the 16 years, it's that we've had good players," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Moderator Emily Gould's first question, by her own admission, had to grasp for a common thread between the three.

The Guardian - Books

Goldberg said, "And that's the common thread between women in the professional world and stay-at-home moms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common thread between", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "There's a common thread between these ideas", specify: "The common thread between these ideas is their focus on sustainability".

Common error

Do not use "common thread between" without clearly specifying what items or concepts are being connected. Vague references diminish the phrase's impact and can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common thread between" functions as a connector, highlighting shared elements or similarities among different entities or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase for establishing connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common thread between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights connections or shared elements. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts. Analysis of its usage reveals a neutral register and a strong presence in news and media sources. Remember to use this phrase to clearly link different entities while clarifying the specific element that connects them. Also, consider alternatives such as "shared connection between" or "underlying link between" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared connection between

Replaces 'thread' with 'connection', emphasizing the link.

underlying link between

Substitutes 'common thread' with 'underlying link', suggesting a less obvious connection.

connecting element between

Replaces 'thread' with 'element', focusing on a specific component that links things.

shared characteristic between

Focuses specifically on characteristics that are shared.

recurring motif between

Emphasizes a repeating pattern or idea.

unifying factor between

Highlights the element that brings things together.

central theme between

Focuses on the main idea that connects different aspects.

commonality shared by

Shifts the structure to highlight the shared aspect.

relationship linking

Highlights the relationship as connector.

point of correspondence between

Replaces 'thread' with 'point of correspondence', emphasizing a similarity or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "common thread between" in a sentence?

Use "common thread between" to highlight a similarity or connection linking seemingly disparate elements. For example, "The "common thread between" the projects is their innovative approach to problem-solving".

What's a good alternative to "common thread between"?

Alternatives include "shared connection between", "underlying link between", or "connecting element between", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "common thread between" or "common threads between"?

The choice depends on whether you're referring to a single unifying concept (use "thread") or multiple shared aspects (use "threads").

What is the difference between "common thread between" and "common ground between"?

"Common thread between" emphasizes a linking element, while "common ground between" highlights areas of agreement or shared interest.