friends in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'friends in common' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a shared group of friends between two or more people. For example: "John and I have a few friends in common, so we often get together for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have friends in common.

The Guardian - Books

They have many friends in common from the old neighborhood.

The New York Times

Friends in common, summer plans: we'll both have finished college.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We chat away, and discover lots of friends in common.

The Guardian

I frequently saw cashiers address customers by name and ask about family or friends in common.

The New York Times - Magazine

That night, Ms. Adler and Mr. Sutherland discovered that they had several more friends in common.

The New York Times

She had six Facebook friends in common with Evens but believes she was selected at random.

The Guardian

But we have friends in common, and in the parlance of social media, we are connected.

The New York Times

Also be especially delicate when you and your dumpee have friends in common.

The New York Times - Magazine

She grew up here and had friends in common with Jaycee.

The New York Times

We've been business friends for a long time and have a lot of friends in common".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing two people, mentioning "friends in common" can quickly establish rapport and a sense of familiarity. For instance, "You both know Sarah; you have friends in common."

Common error

Avoid using "friends in common" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "shared professional connections" or "mutual associates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friends in common" functions as a noun phrase used to indicate shared acquaintances or connections between two or more people. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various sentence structures to express mutual social links.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "friends in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote shared acquaintances. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, ranging from casual conversation to news reporting. While predominantly neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its role in establishing rapport and highlighting shared social connections. When writing, consider the audience and context to determine the most appropriate phrasing, keeping in mind that "friends in common" is generally well-understood and accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people we both know

Expresses the concept in a simple, direct manner, suitable for informal contexts.

mutual acquaintances

This phrase directly replaces "friends" with "acquaintances", emphasizing a less intimate connection.

acquaintances in common

Swaps "friends" for "acquaintances" to highlight a more casual relationship.

shared connections

This phrase focuses on the idea of having connections that are shared between individuals.

connections we share

Highlights that the connections are not just known, but actively shared.

common associates

Using "associates" suggests a professional or formal context of shared relationships.

shared social circle

This phrase emphasizes the social aspect and the idea of a community.

linked acquaintances

Focuses on acquaintances that create a link between people.

mutual social ties

Emphasizes the social connections/links that each person has with each other.

network overlap

This term is generally used in network analysis or social sciences to describe the extent of shared connections.

FAQs

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

You can use "friends in common" to indicate shared acquaintances. For example, "They realized they had several "friends in common" after discussing their college experiences".

What's a more formal alternative to "friends in common"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "mutual acquaintances" or "shared connections" instead of ""friends in common"" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "friend in common" instead of "friends in common"?

While "friend in common" is grammatically correct when referring to a single shared friend, ""friends in common"" is used when referring to multiple shared friends. The choice depends on the specific context.

How does knowing "friends in common" impact social interactions?

Having ""friends in common"" can create a sense of familiarity and trust, making it easier to establish new relationships. It provides a foundation for conversation and shared experiences.