find common ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find common ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of reaching an agreement or understanding between two or more parties despite their differences. For example, "The two sides of the argument are vastly different, but they must find common ground if they want to reach a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use your findings to find common ground and build rapport.

The Guardian

"We're trying to find common ground".

The New York Times

He advised both to find common ground.

The New York Times

Why not try to find common ground?

The New York Times

"You always try to find common ground.

The New York Times

Until they find common ground, they dissent.

The New York Times - Sports

McDonnell tried to find common ground.

Princeton University

Find common ground on non-disclosure.

Harvard Business Review

But it's possible to find common ground.

The New Yorker

Instead, artists must work together to find common ground.

The Guardian

Faith groups can certainly help find common ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing negotiations or conflict resolution, use "find common ground" to emphasize the importance of identifying shared values or goals as a starting point for compromise.

Common error

Avoid using "find common ground" as a premature assumption. Before suggesting to "find common ground", ensure there's at least some basis for agreement. Starting with a focus on disagreements can hinder the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find common ground" functions as a verbal phrase. It describes an action aimed at discovering shared interests, beliefs, or goals between individuals or groups with differing perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used to suggest a resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "find common ground" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that signifies the process of identifying shared interests or beliefs between parties with differing viewpoints. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and correctness, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from diverse sources like news outlets, academic journals, and business publications. It serves as a call for cooperation and agreement, making it especially relevant in discussions involving conflict resolution, negotiation, and consensus-building. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that there's a realistic basis for agreement to avoid undermining the potential for positive outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find common grounds

Pluralizes "ground", suggesting multiple areas of agreement rather than a single shared basis.

identify common ground

Focuses on the act of recognizing shared interests or agreements, rather than necessarily reaching them.

discover common ground

Emphasizes the process of uncovering existing, but perhaps unrecognized, shared interests or agreements.

search for common ground

Highlights the active effort to locate areas of agreement, implying a more deliberate exploration.

find shared ground

Uses "shared ground" as a synonym, emphasizing the aspect of mutual ownership or agreement.

establish common ground

Focuses on creating or building a foundation of agreement, rather than simply finding it.

reach a consensus

Implies a broader agreement, potentially involving more parties and a more formal decision-making process.

find a common basis

Highlights the foundational aspect of the agreement, suggesting a shared starting point.

find common points

Focuses on identifying specific areas of agreement, rather than a general sense of understanding.

seek common understanding

Emphasizes the pursuit of mutual comprehension, rather than necessarily reaching a concrete agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "find common ground" in a sentence?

You can use "find common ground" to describe the process of two or more parties with differing opinions reaching an agreement. For example, "Despite their political differences, the senators tried to "find common ground" on the budget."

What can I say instead of "find common ground"?

You can use alternatives like "reach a consensus", "identify common ground", or "seek common understanding" depending on the context.

Is it better to "find common ground" or "identified common ground"?

"Find common ground" implies an active process of searching for agreement, while "identified common ground" suggests that the shared interests have already been recognized. The best choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the process or the result.

What's the difference between "find common ground" and "find a compromise"?

"Find common ground" focuses on shared values and interests, while "find a compromise" centers on concessions each side is willing to make. Finding common ground can lead to a compromise, but it emphasizes the positive aspects of agreement rather than the sacrifices involved.