have a mutual connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a mutual connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a shared relationship or link between two or more parties, often in a social or professional context. Example: "During our conversation, I discovered that we have a mutual connection in the industry, which made it easier to establish rapport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you don't have a mutual connection, a "hack" is to look at the portfolio of the investor and cold-email one or two of the founders.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"With Reveal, you can remain anonymous until you have a mutual and hopefully trusted connection".

TechCrunch

Although there's no true dictionary definition of sympatico, it's generally accepted to mean having a strong mental connection or bond; to get along; to have a mutual understanding.

Huffington Post

Hall quickly realized he had a number of connections to Diggs: They lived nearby each other, have a mutual friend, and their birthdays are extremely close in date.

Vice

We have a mutual understanding.

The Guardian - Film

We have a mutual friend!

Vice

We have a mutual interest.

Huffington Post

We have a mutual friend in Chris Martin.

Wikipedia

We also have a mutual acquaintance.

Huffington Post

Cher and I have a mutual friend.

Huffington Post

Remember that this has to be a mutual connection; you can't "conjure" the spirit animal at will.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When networking, leverage a "have a mutual connection" to initiate conversations and build rapport more easily.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of "have a mutual connection". If the connection is tenuous, be honest about the degree of separation to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a mutual connection" functions as a descriptor, indicating a shared relationship between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to establish a common ground or link between individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a mutual connection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a shared relationship between individuals, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it serves the purpose of establishing common ground in conversations, particularly in networking scenarios. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to avoid exaggerating the connection's importance. Alternatives include "share a common acquaintance" or "have a connection in common". Leveraging a "have a mutual connection" can significantly enhance the likelihood of building rapport and trust in both social and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a common acquaintance

Focuses on the shared person rather than the connection itself.

have a connection in common

Highlights the shared aspect of the connection.

are acquainted through someone

Specifies that the acquaintance is facilitated by another person.

have a shared contact

Uses "contact" as a synonym for connection.

have overlapping networks

Emphasizes the broader network aspect rather than a specific connection.

know someone in common

Simplifies the phrase to a basic shared acquaintance.

are connected via a shared individual

More explicitly indicates that the connection is through a single person.

are linked through a mutual party

Uses more formal language to describe the shared connection.

relate through a common associate

Uses 'relate' to indicate the connection and 'associate' as a synonym for contact.

have an intermediary

Highlights the role of a third party in the connection.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a mutual connection" with someone?

To "have a mutual connection" means that you and another person both know the same third person. It indicates a shared contact or acquaintance.

How can knowing that you "have a mutual connection" help in networking?

Knowing you "have a mutual connection" can provide a conversation starter and a sense of familiarity, making it easier to build rapport and trust with someone new. It allows for a warmer introduction and a shared point of reference.

What can I say instead of "have a mutual connection"?

You can use alternatives like "share a common acquaintance", "have a connection in common", or "know someone in common".

Is it important to mention a "have a mutual connection" when reaching out to someone?

Yes, mentioning that you "have a mutual connection" can significantly increase the likelihood of a positive response, especially in professional contexts. It adds credibility and provides a reason for the person to engage with you.