have common ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have common ground' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two (or more) people share something in common, such as an opinion or set of beliefs. For example: "We may not agree on everything, but at least we can have common ground on the importance of protecting the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Increasingly it's becoming difficult to have common ground".

The New York Times

It's where all monotheistic religions have common ground," he says.

The Guardian

In some cases, these artists and subjects have common ground.

The New York Times

We're moving hopefully toward a point where we have common ground".

The New York Times - Sports

"You have people who have common ground for 75percentt of what they do".

The New York Times

Humanity may have common ground, but needs and aspirations vary according to circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Future studies will thus need to focus on the question whether similar relationships between charge movement and transport-associated currents found in different cotransporter types have common grounds.

Plosone

Despite being a religious organisation, Brown said CWO had common ground with Protest the Pope.

The Guardian

We still had common ground, but there was a huge gulf.' When Emma and her family moved away, Jo's overriding emotion was relief.

The Guardian

It was from that moment onwards I knew we would be friends - we had common ground.

BBC

I guess we had common ground talking.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to foster collaboration, highlight areas where parties "have common ground" to build trust and facilitate constructive dialogue.

Common error

Avoid assuming that identifying some "common ground" automatically resolves all disagreements; acknowledge remaining differences to manage expectations realistically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have common ground" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state of shared interests, values, or beliefs between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely accepted expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have common ground" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating shared interests, beliefs, or values. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity in your writing, consider alternatives like "share common interests" or "find commonality" for nuanced expression. Remember to use this phrase strategically to foster collaboration and acknowledge differences realistically. Using "have common ground" effectively contributes to clear, constructive communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share common interests

Focuses on shared interests as the basis for agreement or connection.

find commonality

Highlights the act of discovering shared aspects or interests.

have shared values

Highlights the similarity in fundamental beliefs or principles.

possess similar views

Highlights having comparable opinions or perspectives.

agree on certain points

Emphasizes agreement on specific issues rather than a general connection.

find a basis for agreement

Focuses on identifying a foundation for reaching an accord.

see eye to eye

Suggests complete agreement or shared perspective.

reach a consensus

Implies a formal agreement after discussion and negotiation.

establish rapport

Stresses building a harmonious relationship based on mutual understanding.

connect on some level

Suggests a degree of understanding or shared experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "have common ground" to express shared interests, beliefs, or values between two or more parties. For example: "Despite their political differences, they "have common ground" on environmental issues."

What's an alternative to saying "have common ground"?

Alternatives to "have common ground" include "share common interests", "find commonality", or "agree on certain points". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "have common ground" or "share common ground"?

Both "have common ground" and "share common ground" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Have common ground" is slightly more frequent, but the choice often comes down to personal preference and context.

What does it mean to "have common ground" with someone?

To "have common ground" with someone means to share similar interests, opinions, beliefs, or goals. It suggests a basis for understanding and agreement, even if other differences exist.