experience in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "experience in common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe shared experiences or similarities between individuals or groups. Example: "Despite our different backgrounds, we found that we had a lot of experience in common that helped us connect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I called the new story 'Sex Before the Sun' because I believed that all of the characters had a sexual experience in common.

The New York Times

But the two women have an experience in common: their emergence from the system has been aided by New Yorkers for Children, a private nonprofit group.

The New York Times

Other than the occasional, and fleeting, YouTube video, there is no cable television channel or Internet site that we experience in common.

The Washington Post

It is perhaps debatable whether two people who have participated in such sites, but in totally different corners of them, have had a cultural experience in common.

The New York Times

It's unusual to have a friend with whom you have almost every experience in common, so we can compare notes on it all.

Independent

An often-overlooked result of crime is that the victim and offender have a relationship they have a painfully negative experience in common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We have got experiences in common.

The Guardian

It turned out they had experiences in common.

The Guardian

Karl Ove and Elena have a core set of experiences in common.

The New Yorker

While many were reluctant to share in the beginning, they found they had experiences in common.

The New York Times

These discussions are not specific to this library and we share many experiences in common with our colleagues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "experience in common" to highlight a connection or shared understanding between people or groups based on similar events or circumstances. It can build rapport and emphasize commonality.

Common error

While "experience in common" is suitable for various contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "experience in common" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves to identify a shared or mutual occurrence, feeling, or knowledge that connects individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used and generally grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "experience in common" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, typically functioning as a noun phrase to denote shared or mutual occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and usability. It's commonly used in news, media, science, and academic contexts to highlight connections and similarities between individuals or groups. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the context, opting for more precise language in academic or scientific writing. Alternatives such as "common ground" or "shared experience" offer stylistic variations while maintaining similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual experience

Highlights the shared nature of an experience.

common understanding

Stresses a mutual agreement or comprehension.

common ground

Emphasizes shared interests or opinions that create a basis for understanding.

shared perspective

Indicates a common way of viewing or understanding something.

shared background

Focuses on the shared history or origins people have.

similar history

Highlights comparable past events or developments.

like-mindedness

Highlights a similarity in thought, feeling, or attitude.

shared ordeal

Specifically refers to a difficult or trying experience that was undergone together.

collective memory

Refers to shared historical knowledge and understanding.

joint venture

Implies a collaborative effort or undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "experience in common" to highlight a shared event or circumstance that creates a bond. For instance, "Despite their different backgrounds, they found they had a significant "experience in common": both had served in the military".

What are some alternatives to "experience in common"?

Alternatives include "common ground", "shared experience", or "mutual understanding", depending on the specific context.

Is "experience in common" formal or informal?

"Experience in common" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language.

What is the difference between "shared experience" and "experience in common"?

"Shared experience" is generally interchangeable with "experience in common". Both phrases refer to an event or circumstance that multiple people have encountered together. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.