common to both

USAGE SUMMARY

"common to both" is a perfectly valid phrase and can be used in written English.
For example, you might use it in a sentence such as this: "The policies that apply in different countries can have many differences, but there are also many commonalities common to both."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Treachery is also common to both.

The Guardian

The first is common to both: indiscipline.

The Guardian - Books

What emerges is a story common to both combatant nations.

Independent

This allows eliminating noise that is common to both signals.

Designerys Guide to the Cypress PSoC

OM is common to both triangles.

BBC

This is common to both techniques.

Journal of Economic Structures

One event was common to both sources.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

And what's common to both companies' developer strategies?

TechCrunch

METHODS: Hospitals common to both databases were matched.

Duke University

Channel is common to both sender and receiver.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

There are general features common to both images.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two subjects, use "common to both" to clearly indicate shared attributes or characteristics, ensuring your writing is concise and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "common to both" when comparing more than two subjects. The phrase is specifically for highlighting shared traits between only two entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common to both" serves as a linking expression, highlighting shared attributes or characteristics between two distinct entities. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as identifying shared features between diseases, techniques, or concepts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common to both" is a versatile phrase used to denote shared attributes between two subjects. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in scientific, news, and business contexts. Alternatives such as "shared by both" or "relevant to both" can offer nuanced expression. A key writing tip is to ensure you're only comparing two entities, and as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is perfectly valid. For clear and effective communication, understanding its correct usage and context is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared by both

This alternative emphasizes the sharing aspect rather than the commonality.

joint to both

This option gives a sense of union or connection not explicitly present in the original phrase.

applicable to both

Focuses on the relevance or suitability of something for both entities.

relevant to both

This alternative emphasizes the pertinence of something to both.

inherent in both

Highlights that the characteristic is a natural part of both, suggesting a deeper connection.

present in both

This alternative focuses on the existence of something in both subjects.

typical of both

Emphasizes that it's a usual or expected attribute for both.

characteristic of both

This phrasing highlights that the element is a distinctive feature of each.

found in both

This option focuses on the presence or discovery of something in both.

existing in both

This choice highlights the current existence of the subject in both instances.

FAQs

How do I use "common to both" in a sentence?

Use "common to both" to indicate a shared characteristic or element between two subjects, for example: "A high level of dedication is "common to both" athletes and musicians".

What can I say instead of "common to both"?

You can use alternatives like "shared by both", "applicable to both", or "relevant to both" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "common to both" or "common between"?

"Common to both" is the more appropriate choice when referring to two specific items. "Common between" is generally used when referring to a larger group or range.

What is the difference between "shared by both" and "common to both"?

While both phrases indicate that something is present in two subjects, "common to both" emphasizes the inherent or typical nature of that thing, whereas "shared by both" emphasizes the act of sharing or possessing something together.