have two things in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have two things in common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about comparing two objects, people, or ideas that share similarities. For example, "My best friend and I have two things in common: we both love adventure sports and we both have a passion for cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They all have two things in common.

The Economist

They have two things in common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although very different games, both have two things in common.

The Guardian

Ms. Warner is the gym teacher, and she and Georges have two things in common.

The Guardian

But all houses have two things in common: panoramic views of the harbor and wide gutters.

The New York Times

At least we have two things in common.' Of course, I didn't say which two".

The Guardian - Books

But it is at least a step forward.These Reförmchen have two things in common.

The Economist

The dozens of varieties of what are called mannas have two things in common.

The New York Times - Food

But all have two things in common – Latin American identity and the sweet taste of World Cup success.

The Guardian - Sport

These shows have two things in common: their fathers clearly do not know best, and they are all on Fox.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Frank W. Abagnale, Antwone Fisher, Brian Molony, Jackie Kallen and Jim Morris have three things in common.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have two things in common", ensure the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify which items or people share the mentioned commonalities.

Common error

Avoid stating that two things "have two things in common" without explicitly identifying what those two things are. Always follow up with a clear explanation of the shared characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have two things in common" functions as a predicate within a sentence, asserting a relationship of shared characteristics between two or more subjects. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have two things in common" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to point out shared attributes or characteristics between two or more subjects. Ludwig confirms this, noting its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, reflecting its broad applicability across various topics. When using this phrase, be sure to specify clearly what those two things are to avoid ambiguity. While highly similar options exist such as "share common attributes", this particular phrase remains a direct and easily understood way to convey shared traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are alike in two respects

Highlights a specified number of similarities.

show two similarities

Directly indicates the existence of two points of likeness.

share common attributes

Focuses on shared qualities or characteristics; more formal.

have a pair of similarities

Uses "pair" to specify the number of shared traits; informal.

have shared traits

Emphasizes inherited or inherent qualities that are alike.

possess similar features

Highlights likeness in aspects or elements; slightly more technical.

exhibit common characteristics

Stresses observable or demonstrable similarities.

display shared properties

Implies inherent qualities or attributes that are alike.

present shared aspects

Highlights features or parts that are mutually present.

converge on two points

Suggests agreement or meeting at specific similarities.

FAQs

How do I use "have two things in common" in a sentence?

You can use "have two things in common" to point out shared attributes between two or more subjects. For example, "The two candidates "have two things in common": they both support education reform and advocate for environmental protection".

What are some alternative phrases for "have two things in common"?

Alternatives include "share common attributes", "are alike in two respects", or "exhibit common characteristics", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "have two things in common"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "have things in common" and "have two things in common"?

"Have things in common" indicates that there are shared attributes, without specifying the number. "Have two things in common" specifies that there are exactly two shared attributes. Using the latter implies precision and emphasis on the specific number of commonalities.