have something in common

USAGE SUMMARY

"have something in common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more people, objects, or ideas that share a similar trait or quality. For example, "My best friend and I have something in common: we both love to play volleyball."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All these languages have something in common.

Artificial Intelligence

FISHERMEN have something in common with cowboys.

The Economist

But these C.E.O.s have something in common.

The New York Times

And they all have something in common.

Cornell University

We all have something in common.

The New York Times - Food

The latter two have something in common.

The Guardian - Sport

They have something in common, don't they?

The Guardian - Arts

You and mobile technology have something in common.

University of California, Berkeley

But the three photographers do have something in common.

The New York Times - Arts

I have something in common with Paula Radcliffe.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have something in common, the fans and the manager.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have something in common", ensure the context clearly specifies what that shared element is, either explicitly or implicitly, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that people "have something in common" without giving context. Instead of just saying "They have something in common", specify "They "have something in common": a passion for hiking."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have something in common" functions as a predicate expressing a shared characteristic, interest, or quality between two or more entities. This phrase suggests a point of similarity or convergence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have something in common" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to denote shared attributes or connections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news media and casual conversation. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify what the shared element is to avoid ambiguity. While many alternative phrases exist—like "share a similarity" or "possess a shared trait"—the directness of "have something in common" often makes it the most effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a similarity

Focuses on the aspect of sharing similar characteristics, differing from the broader sense of having something in common.

possess a shared trait

Emphasizes the existence of a common attribute or quality, adding a more formal tone compared to the original phrase.

exhibit common features

Stresses the observable or identifiable shared characteristics.

have a mutual connection

Highlights the relationship or link between entities, rather than just shared attributes.

are united by

Focuses on the unifying aspect of a shared element or experience.

are alike in some way

Indicates similarity without specifying what is shared, offering a more general comparison.

intersect in some aspect

Suggests a shared area or point of convergence.

bear a resemblance

Implies a similarity that is visually or superficially apparent.

reflect a similar nature

Implies that entities share a fundamental quality or essence.

have parallels

Highlights corresponding or analogous aspects between different things.

FAQs

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

Use "have something in common" to indicate a shared attribute or interest. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they have something in common: a love of jazz music."

What's a more formal way to say "have something in common"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "share a similarity" or "possess a shared trait" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it always necessary to specify what people "have in common"?

While not always mandatory, specifying what individuals "have in common" often provides clarity and depth to your statement. Omitting it can sometimes lead to vagueness, so consider whether the shared element is clear from the context.

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

"Have something in common" indicates a shared attribute, interest, or characteristic. "Have a connection", on the other hand, suggests a relationship or link between people or things, which may not necessarily be based on shared traits.