have a common interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a common interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing shared hobbies, goals, or concerns between individuals or groups. Example: "The two organizations have a common interest in promoting environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have a common interest in fighting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a common interest in defeating them".

The New York Times

Countries will have a common interest in security of supply.

The Economist

Clearly they have a common interest in working together to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

The New York Times

Nearly all countries, whatever their politics, have a common interest in elementary security.

The New York Times

We have a common interest in returning Rolls-Royce to profitable growth," said Rolls-Royce.

The Guardian - Business

Despite their diverse experiences, they have a common interest in supporting forward-thinking transportation research.

University of California, Berkeley

"We talk a lot about our children, so we have a common interest and we get along great".

The Guardian - Sport

The new mayor and the newer prime minister have a common interest in ensuring that the capital's economy survives Brexit.

The Guardian

Washington and Baghdad have a common interest in persuading the Syrian regime to abandon its support of terror groups.

The New York Times

People crave knowledge, discovering new cultures and finding friendships on holiday with people with whom they have a common interest.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a common interest" to highlight shared goals, hobbies, or concerns between individuals or groups. It's an effective way to establish connections and mutual understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "have a common interest" without providing sufficient context. Simply stating that two parties "have a common interest" without specifying what that interest is can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Be specific to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a common interest" functions primarily as a descriptor, indicating a shared concern, goal, or enthusiasm among two or more entities. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a common interest" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe shared goals, hobbies, or concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While highly suitable for formal and informal communication, it's crucial to provide context to specify the nature of the shared interest and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "share a mutual interest" or "possess a shared interest" can offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a mutual interest

Emphasizes reciprocity and the shared nature of the interest.

possess a shared interest

Highlights the ownership of the interest by multiple parties.

find common ground

Focuses on discovering shared beliefs or objectives, suggesting a process of finding agreement.

have shared objectives

Highlights the shared goals that individuals or groups are working towards.

see eye to eye

Indicates agreement or alignment in perspective.

be on the same wavelength

Implies a natural understanding or compatibility.

have similar inclinations

Refers to a shared tendency or preference.

pursue similar goals

Emphasizes the active pursuit of common aims.

hold similar views

Focuses on a shared perspective or opinion.

maintain aligned priorities

Implies a deliberate effort to keep goals and values in harmony.

FAQs

How can I use "have a common interest" in a sentence?

You can use "have a common interest" to describe shared objectives, hobbies, or concerns between individuals or groups. For example, "The students and the professor "have a common interest" in advancing scientific knowledge".

What are some alternatives to saying "have a common interest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "share a mutual interest", "possess a shared interest", or "find common ground", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "have a common interest" or "share an interest"?

"Have a common interest" emphasizes that the interest is shared, while "share an interest" simply indicates that multiple parties have the same interest. The best choice depends on the context and the desired emphasis.

Can "have a common interest" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "have a common interest" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "have shared objectives" in highly formal contexts.