has elements in common with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has elements in common with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more things share similarities or characteristics. Example: "The new policy has elements in common with the previous regulations, suggesting a continuity in our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Film

Books

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

has elements in common with Todd Solondz's "Happiness" and Sam Mendes's "American Beauty".

The New York Times

Ms. de Kenessey's work "Cutting Loose: Concerto for Trumpet, Percussion and Strings" (2000) has elements in common with the Hovhaness.

The New York Times - Arts

The closing work was Ms. Wolfe's "Dig Deep" (1998), a rugged, eclectic and energizing score that has elements in common with Mr. King's work.

The New York Times - Arts

Nichols is just one of the creative forces behind the show, which has elements in common with New York's well-known, immersive theatre experience Sleep No More.

The Guardian

To my eye, the campaign, created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco, part of the Omnicom Group, has elements in common with the XplusOne campaign.

The New York Times

Aztec culture has elements in common with the most alluring facets of both these antecedents: the splendour of fine metalwork, elemental sculptural design and the power to evoke the terror within a cosmic view which gloried in death.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

While they have elements in common with Valmiki, the differing environments in which they emerged have led to the addition of distinctive cultural features and characters.

The Guardian - Books

The daylong program at the Triangle Cultural Center in the heart of this Mississippi Delta town had elements in common with the reunion of any small rural Southern high school class from the 1950's, except for the unusually accomplished group in attendance.

The New York Times - Books

Derek Bermel's "Elixir" (2006) had elements in common with Mr. Current's work, at least in the sense that different sections of the orchestra, here split between the stage and two balconies, lead nearly independent lives.

The New York Times - Arts

David J. Brown, senior curator at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, said the design for the memorial had elements in common with a design that Mr. Karadin recently submitted as a part of the museum's HOME House Project, for which he won a prize.

The New York Times

The ECB has, over the course of the financial crisis, done things that have elements in common with this.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has elements in common with" when you want to point out specific, shared aspects between two or more subjects. For general similarities, consider using "shares characteristics with".

Common error

While useful, "has elements in common with" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "resembles", "shares features with", or "is akin to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has elements in common with" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject shares certain characteristics or features with another entity. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Film

5%

Books

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has elements in common with" is a versatile tool for expressing similarities between different subjects. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its widespread applicability. While grammatically sound and generally correct, it's essential to use it judiciously, varying your language with synonyms like "shares characteristics with" or "resembles" to prevent repetition. It's crucial to understand the degree of similarity you wish to convey, as the phrase implies partial rather than complete overlap.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shares characteristics with

Emphasizes shared attributes; a direct replacement with minimal change in meaning.

bears resemblance to

Highlights visual or superficial similarities; less about inherent components.

exhibits similarities to

Formal and emphasizes observable similarities, slightly more academic.

presents parallels with

Suggests comparable aspects or developments, often in a broader context.

is akin to

Implies a fundamental similarity, often suggesting a shared origin or nature.

is related to

Indicates a connection or association, which may not be immediately obvious.

has connections with

Focuses on links and relationships rather than inherent similarities.

is analogous to

Highlights a similarity that allows for comparison but acknowledges differences.

mirrors

Conveys a strong resemblance, often implying imitation or reflection.

echoes

Suggests a subtle or indirect similarity, often in style or theme.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has elements in common with" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases like "exhibits similarities to", "presents parallels with", or "is akin to".

What's a simpler way to say "has elements in common with"?

Simpler alternatives include "shares characteristics with", "resembles", or "is similar to".

Is it correct to say "have elements in common with"?

Yes, "have elements in common with" is grammatically correct. Use "have" when referring to plural subjects (e.g., "These strategies have elements in common with previous approaches"), and "has" for singular subjects.

How does "has elements in common with" differ from "is identical to"?

"Has elements in common with" indicates partial similarity or shared features, whereas "is identical to" implies complete sameness. The former suggests overlap, while the latter suggests equivalence.