held in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held in common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is shared or possessed collectively by a group of people or entities. Example: "The values and beliefs held in common among the community foster a strong sense of unity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most land is held in common by the villagers.

Britannica

Everything was to be held in common, including women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over a roast chicken, they raked through sea acquaintances held in common.

The New Yorker

Such monuments were references held in common, regardless of sect or politics.

The Guardian

Individuals were to own their homes; other land was to be held in common.

The New Yorker

Disputes often include arguments over harvesting trees from land theoretically held in common.

The New York Times

For all they held in common, their differences — race, size, appearance, stature — also stood out.

The New York Times - Sports

Property was held in common and all details of daily life were regulated by officials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Funds are held in common, with each member receiving an allowance.

Independent

The candidates expressed views atypically held in common by members of different parties.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some land is held in common, some is privately owned and land rights often set off fierce fights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held in common", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the holding and what is being held. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "held in common", everyone has identical views or access. The phrase indicates shared possession, not necessarily uniform experience or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held in common" typically functions as a participial phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that is jointly owned, shared, or believed by a group. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held in common" effectively conveys the idea of shared ownership, values, or beliefs among a group. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, emphasizing its appropriateness across various formal contexts. With a solid presence in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, this phrase is most appropriate when discussing communal resources, philosophical concepts, or shared cultural values. Remember that while something may be "held in common", experiences and understanding may still differ among individuals. This phrase is a powerful tool to express collectivity and shared responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jointly owned

Emphasizes shared ownership, focusing on the legal or formal aspect of possession.

collectively possessed

Highlights the group aspect of possession, suggesting a unified entity holding something.

mutually shared

Stresses the reciprocal nature of sharing, where each party benefits from the commonality.

commonly shared

Implies a widespread understanding or attribute that many individuals possess.

shared by all

Focuses on the inclusivity of the sharing, indicating that everyone participates.

jointly possessed

Similar to jointly owned, but can apply to non-tangible things like ideas or qualities.

in shared ownership

Highlights the ownership aspect, specifying that the ownership is distributed.

collectively owned

Emphasizes the communal aspect of ownership, suggesting a group or collective owns the item.

in common possession

Focuses on the state of possession, indicating that multiple parties possess the item together.

unitedly possessed

Stresses the unity of the possessors, suggesting a concerted effort or agreement in possessing the item.

FAQs

How can I use "held in common" in a sentence?

You can use "held in common" to describe values, beliefs, property, or resources that are shared within a group. For example: "The villagers "held in common" the land and its resources."

What's the difference between "held in common" and "shared"?

"Held in common" often implies a more formal or traditional arrangement of shared ownership or beliefs, whereas "shared" is a more general term for something that is used or experienced by more than one person.

Are there specific contexts where "held in common" is more appropriate?

"Held in common" is particularly suitable in discussions of communal property, shared cultural values, or philosophical concepts. It conveys a sense of collective ownership or responsibility.

What can I say instead of "held in common"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "jointly owned", "collectively possessed", or "mutually shared" to express similar ideas.