have much in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have much in common" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that two or more things or people share similar qualities, interests, or experiences. Example: "Despite coming from different backgrounds, Sarah and Emily have much in common. They both love hiking, have a passion for photography, and enjoy trying new foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they have much in common, too.

The Economist

Their styles have much in common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two firms have much in common.

The Economist

We don't have much in common.

Independent

The two groups have much in common.

The Economist

The countries have much in common.

The Economist

The two books have much in common.

The New York Times - Books

But they have much in common.

The New Yorker

The two have much in common.

The New York Times - Sports

We have much in common".

The New York Times

Medicine and technology have much in common.

Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have much in common", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined and that the shared characteristics are relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "have much in common" to connect subjects that share only superficial similarities. Ensure the shared traits are meaningful and relevant to the overall discussion or comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have much in common" functions as a relational expression. It connects two or more subjects by asserting that they share significant similarities or overlapping attributes. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

0.01%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Wiki

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have much in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote shared similarities between subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media, but suitable for various registers. When employing this phrase, ensure the shared traits are meaningful to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "share many similarities" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are alike in many ways

Broadly points to the shared aspects or similarities between subjects.

share many similarities

Focuses on the shared qualities or resemblances between subjects.

have common attributes

Emphasizes the shared features or properties of subjects.

possess shared traits

Highlights the common characteristics that subjects exhibit.

have overlapping interests

Highlights that the subjects' interests or concerns intersect.

bear a resemblance

Indicates a similarity in appearance or character.

are on the same wavelength

Indicates a mutual understanding or agreement between subjects.

find common ground

Indicates that subjects discover shared beliefs or goals despite differences.

are kindred spirits

Suggests a deeper, more intrinsic connection or similarity in attitudes and values.

are cut from the same cloth

Suggests that subjects have similar origins or fundamental characteristics.

FAQs

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

You can use "have much in common" to indicate shared qualities or interests between two or more subjects. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they "have much in common"".

What are some alternatives to "have much in common"?

Alternatives include "share many similarities", "are alike in many ways", or "possess shared traits". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has much in common"?

No, the correct form is "have much in common" when referring to plural subjects or using 'they', 'we', etc. Use "has much in common" only when referring to a singular subject, like "He has much in common with his brother".

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

Both phrases are very similar, but "have a lot in common" is slightly more informal. "Have much in common" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while "have a lot in common" is generally better suited for casual conversations.