have in common

USAGE SUMMARY

"have in common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing one or more similarities between two or more things. For example: "John and Jane have a lot of experiences in common, such as traveling the world and playing tennis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What they have in common is poverty.

The Economist

What do these collaborators have in common?

The New York Times - Arts

What do the following have in common?

The New York Times

What do these delicacies have in common?

The New York Times

What do these games have in common?

The New York Times - Arts

How much we have in common!

The Guardian - Books

What do we have in common now?

The New York Times - Sports

What do all these have in common?

Independent

What do these events have in common?

The New York Times

What do these composers have in common?

The New York Times - Arts

What could we possibly have in common?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have in common", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They have a lot in common", specify "The two candidates have similar views on economic policy".

Common error

Avoid stating that two things "have everything in common" unless it is literally true. It's more accurate and informative to specify the particular aspects they share, rather than making broad, often inaccurate, generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have in common" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that two or more entities share similarities or characteristics. Ludwig examples show its use in questions, statements, and comparisons across varied topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have in common" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote shared attributes or similarities between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media, as well as in Wiki and Science contexts, the phrase serves to highlight common ground or draw comparisons. To enhance clarity, specify what is shared rather than overgeneralizing. Alternative phrases include "share characteristics" or "exhibit similarities", which can provide nuanced ways to express commonalities. In essence, "have in common" is a fundamental tool for expressing connections and shared traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share characteristics

Focuses on the characteristics that are shared between entities.

possess shared attributes

Emphasizes the attributes that are mutually held.

exhibit similarities

Highlights the similar aspects that are displayed or noticeable.

demonstrate commonalities

Focuses on the common elements that are evident.

are alike in certain respects

Indicates likeness in specific aspects or features.

are similar to each other

A general way to express a likeness.

bear resemblance

Highlights that things look like each other.

have shared traits

Underscores traits or qualities that are shared.

connect on a similar level

Relates things between them, using a synonymous word.

present mutual qualities

Highlights qualities that are mutually owned.

FAQs

How to use "have in common" in a sentence?

You can use "have in common" to indicate shared qualities or characteristics between two or more subjects. For example, "Both novels "share a theme" of social injustice."

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

Alternatives include "share characteristics", "possess shared attributes", or "exhibit similarities" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has in common" instead of "have in common"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has in common" with singular subjects (e.g., "He has something in common with her"). Use "have in common" with plural subjects (e.g., "They have a lot in common").

What's the difference between "have in common" and "in common"?

"Have in common" is a verb phrase used to indicate shared traits or characteristics. "In common" is an adjective phrase describing something shared or mutual. For example, "They have similar interests in common" or "They share interests "in a similar way"".