having a common interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a common interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties share similar goals, hobbies, or concerns. Example: "The community group was formed by individuals having a common interest in environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Having a common interest can break the ice.

The New York Times

"Now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, reunite in a common effort, to save our common country?" That line comes from a speech given by Lincoln at the White House on Nov. 10, 1864, just after his re-election.

The New York Times - Arts

Together, Swedish and the Storm discovered a synergy in their community-driven values, as well having a common interest in connecting with women and children.

Forbes

Having a common interest of progressing toward more complex biologically relevant research problems, it is important that we are able to provide carefully prepared training and test data collections, and tools to access them, to facilitate research.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Having a common interest will make it easier to get to know someone, as you will have something to discuss.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We have a common interest in fighting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

[At Scher's] we had a common interest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We have a common interest in defeating them".

The New York Times

And I realized we had a common interest.

Princeton University

Countries will have a common interest in security of supply.

The Economist

Clearly they have a common interest in working together to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing individuals or groups, use "having a common interest" to establish a sense of immediate connection or shared purpose. For example, "The club was formed by individuals having a common interest in environmental conservation."

Common error

Avoid using "having a common interest" when the connection is superficial or fleeting. Reserve it for situations where the shared interest is a genuine and meaningful bond, rather than a passing similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a common interest" functions as a means of establishing a connection or shared ground between individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English. It helps to identify a basis for interaction or collaboration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a common interest" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, employed to denote a shared connection or point of convergence among individuals or entities. While used across various domains, it finds frequent application in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases like "sharing a mutual interest" or "possessing a shared interest" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful to use this phrase when the shared interest represents a meaningful connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharing a mutual interest

Focuses on the reciprocity of the interest; emphasizes that the interest is felt by all parties involved.

possessing a shared interest

Highlights the possession of a common interest; a more formal and emphatic way of expressing the idea.

having shared passions

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the shared interest; suitable when the interest is a strong enthusiasm.

aligning interests

Focuses on the convergence of interests, especially useful in contexts of negotiation or collaboration.

converging interests

Highlights the act of interests coming together; useful when describing a process of agreement.

having kindred spirits

Indicates a deeper connection beyond mere shared interests; suggests a similarity in values and attitudes.

finding common ground

Focuses on the act of discovering shared interests, especially in situations of potential conflict.

having overlapping concerns

Emphasizes the shared nature of anxieties or worries; suitable in contexts of problem-solving or risk management.

sharing similar objectives

Highlights the alignment of goals or aims; useful in professional or strategic contexts.

being like-minded

Indicates a similarity in thinking or perspective; suggests a natural affinity.

FAQs

How can I use "having a common interest" in a sentence?

You can use "having a common interest" to describe the basis of a relationship or collaboration. For example, "They bonded over "having a common interest" in vintage motorcycles."

What can I say instead of "having a common interest"?

You can use alternatives like "sharing a mutual interest", "possessing a shared interest", or "being like-minded" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "having a common interesting"?

No, the correct phrase is "having a common interest". "Interesting" is an adjective, while "interest" is a noun referring to a shared concern or enthusiasm.

What's the difference between "having a common interest" and "aligning interests"?

"Having a common interest" implies a pre-existing shared passion, while "aligning interests" suggests a deliberate effort to bring different interests into agreement, often for a specific purpose.