have a shared interest

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hooper and England's current head coach worked together at Leeds a decade ago and have a shared interest in team-building that still endures.

The Guardian - Sport

Superficially, Norton and Chambers have a shared interest in ecclesiastical matters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And second, of course, they have a shared interest in money.

The Guardian

Cameron said at prime minister's questions: "It does seem to me that we all have a shared interest here.

The Guardian

We have a shared interest with farmers in continuing to deliver environmental and production benefits on the farm with glyphosate.

The New York Times

Mr. Coase's revolutionary insight was that you and I have a shared interest in minimizing the total harm suffered.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

They had a shared interest in animal anatomy.

The New Yorker

Eric Tomasi assured Brancatelli and the others that they had a shared interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Barring the odd sulky schoolchild forced there for an assignment, everybody is there by choice and has a shared interest.

The Guardian - Books

SL carers are matched with an adult who needs support and, where possible, has a shared interest.

The Guardian

She said she got on well with Roache because they had a shared interest in "spiritual things".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a shared interest", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the interest is and who shares it for maximum clarity. For example, instead of saying "They have a shared interest", specify "They have a shared interest in environmental conservation".

Common error

Avoid using "have a shared interest" with vague pronouns like "they" or "it" without clearly specifying who or what possesses the shared interest. This can lead to confusion. Instead, provide specific nouns or noun phrases to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a shared interest" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a commonality between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples show it is often used to describe relationships and collaborations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Opinion

5%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a shared interest" is a versatile expression used to indicate a commonality between individuals or groups. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its primary function is to establish common ground and highlight connections, serving as a foundation for cooperation or understanding. While generally neutral in register, its surrounding vocabulary can tailor it to various levels of formality. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by science and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be specific about the shared interest and the parties involved to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a common interest

Swaps "have" with "share" and "shared" with "common" creating a more direct expression of commonality.

have mutual interests

Replaces "shared" with "mutual", emphasizing reciprocity in the interests.

possess a commonality of interest

Uses more formal language to describe the shared interest, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

find common ground

Focuses on the act of discovering shared interests, implying a process of finding agreement.

see eye to eye on

Emphasizes agreement and shared perspective on a specific topic.

have a joint concern

Highlights a shared worry or area of concern, rather than a general interest.

have converging interests

Suggests that interests are moving towards a common point or goal.

be like-minded

Describes individuals who think alike and share similar values or perspectives.

have similar inclinations

Focuses on shared tendencies or preferences, implying a natural alignment of interests.

be on the same wavelength

Indicates a deep understanding and connection, often implying shared interests or values.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a shared interest"?

To "have a shared interest" means that two or more people or entities have a common interest, hobby, or concern. It implies a connection or common ground based on this shared element.

What can I say instead of "have a shared interest"?

You can use alternatives like "share a common interest", "have mutual interests", or "find common ground" depending on the context.

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

You can use "have a shared interest" to describe a commonality between individuals or groups. For example: "The members of the club have a shared interest in photography."

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

Both "have a shared interest" and "share a common interest" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Share a common interest" may sound slightly more direct.