have things in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have things in common" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more persons or objects share similarities. For example, "My best friend and I have a lot of things in common, such as a love of music and a passion for travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lydia and Shirley have things "in common". What does this phrase mean?

Yale University

But they have things in common.

The Economist

We have things in common.

Harvard Business Review

Clarke may have things in common with Leahy.

The Guardian - Business

But Aptera and Tesla have things in common.

The Economist

Amina and George do have things in common.

The New York Times - Books

The coaches masterminding Dortmund and Ajax have things in common.

The New York Times - Sports

But paradoxically these two faiths have things in common.

The Economist

"Most of us talk to people we know, with whom we have things in common.

Stanford University

As different as they appear, Mariucci and Owens do have things in common.

The New York Times - Sports

From two very different cultures, the pieces have things in common.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have things in common" to emphasize shared qualities, interests, or backgrounds when describing relationships or comparing different entities.

Common error

Avoid using "have things in common" without specifying what those common things are. Providing specific examples strengthens your statement and makes it more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have things in common" functions as a predicate, indicating a relationship of similarity or shared attributes between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English phrase. It typically follows a subject and links it to the shared characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

16%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have things in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote shared characteristics or interests between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a well-established part of the English language. It appears across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. To enhance clarity, it is advised to specify what those shared elements are. Closely related alternatives include ""share common ground"" and ""have shared interests"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share common ground

This alternative highlights the shared basis or foundation between individuals or groups.

possess shared attributes

This focuses on the common characteristics or qualities that individuals or items possess.

have shared interests

This alternative narrows the commonality to shared interests or hobbies.

find commonality

This highlights the process of discovering shared traits or interests.

have similar traits

This emphasizes the shared characteristics or qualities.

are alike in some ways

This phrase conveys a general similarity without specifying details.

connect on certain levels

This alternative suggests a connection or understanding based on shared aspects.

share a mutual connection

This implies a reciprocal relationship built on commonalities.

resonate with each other

This phrase suggests a deeper, emotional connection based on shared values or experiences.

find kinship

This phrase suggests that there is some familiarity, similarity, or feeling of connection between different things.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have things in common"?

To "have things in common" means to share similar interests, characteristics, qualities or experiences with someone else. It suggests a basis for connection or understanding.

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

You might say, "Despite their different backgrounds, the two leaders "share common ground" on economic policy", or "The members of the book club "have shared interests" in classic literature."

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

You can use phrases like ""share common ground"", "possess shared attributes", or ""have shared interests"" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "have things in common" or "share something in common"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Have something in common" might be slightly more versatile, but "have things in common" emphasizes multiple shared aspects.