have common interests

USAGE SUMMARY

"have common interests" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it typically refers to shared hobbies, goals, or values. Example: "I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my new colleague and I have common interests in hiking and cooking. We decided to plan a trip together and try out new recipes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have common interests, similar personalities.

The New York Times - Sports

But we have common interests," Mr. Carter said.

The New York Times

Chinese counterpart: "We have common interests in a stable Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Our countries have common interests and we share great responsibilities.

The New York Times

"We do not have common interests with a terrorist regime.

The New York Times

European countries have common interests that they can pursue together.

The Economist

"We can have common interests with other countries and can collaborate with the world.

The New York Times

America and Iraq also have common interests vis-à-vis Iran.

The New York Times

Just because we have different interests doesn't mean we don't also have common interests".

The New York Times

The parties have common interests to negotiate over and areas of disagreement to negotiate about.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pan-Africanism, the idea that peoples of African descent have common interests and should be unified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "have common interests" to highlight shared passions, hobbies, or goals that create a bond between individuals or groups.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "having common interests" automatically guarantees a strong or lasting relationship. While it can be a foundation, other factors like communication and respect are equally crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have common interests" serves as a relational expression, indicating a shared connection or similarity between individuals, groups, or entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The provided examples showcase its function in diverse contexts, highlighting shared goals, hobbies, or concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have common interests" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies shared connections and similarities between individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it plays a crucial role in establishing rapport, explaining collaborations, and highlighting shared goals. Bear in mind that while "having common interests" can be a great starting point for building relationships, it doesn't guarantee success – other factors like communication and respect are essential too. Remember that while the phrase is commonly used across many registers, it is most used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share mutual interests

Emphasizes reciprocity in shared interests.

find common ground

Focuses on discovering shared areas of agreement or interest, particularly when starting from different viewpoints.

possess shared passions

Highlights intense enthusiasm and emotional connection through common interests.

have overlapping concerns

Implies shared interests stemming from similar worries or problems.

connect over similar hobbies

Specifies the type of shared interest: hobbies.

share a common bond

Suggests a strong emotional connection arising from shared interests or experiences.

see eye to eye on

Highlights agreement and shared perspective, related to common interests.

are like-minded

Focuses on similarity in thinking and values, which often leads to common interests.

gravitate toward similar activities

Suggests a natural inclination to participate in the same kinds of activities.

enjoy the same pursuits

Highlights shared enjoyment and active involvement in similar activities.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The book club members "have common interests" in reading and discussing literature", or "The two countries "have common interests" in maintaining regional stability".

What can I say instead of "have common interests"?

You can use alternatives like "share mutual interests", "find common ground", or "possess shared passions" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "has common interests"?

No, the correct form is "have common interests" when referring to plural subjects or using "I/you/we/they". Use "has common interests" only with singular subjects like "he/she/it".

What's the difference between "share interests" and ""have common interests""?

"Share interests" generally implies a mutual enjoyment or participation in similar activities, while ""have common interests"" highlights that those interests are held jointly, creating a basis for connection or cooperation. The nuance resides in the emphasis on mutuality and its implications.