identity of interests

USAGE SUMMARY

"identity of interests" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing two or more parties having similar goals or objectives. For example, "The two nations had an identity of interests when it came to trade negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This identity of interests, proposals and views has been severely under-reported.

The Washington Post

Rawls points out that a society is "a cooperative venture for mutual advantage typically marked by conflict as well as identity of interests," and notes, following Hobbes in the social contract tradition, that there's an identity of interests in special cooperation makes possible a better life than anybody could have without cooperation.

Yale University

For Bentham, the greatest happiness of the greatest number would play a role primarily in the art of legislation, in which the legislator would seek to maximize the happiness of the entire community by creating an identity of interests between each individual and his fellows.

Britannica

The common good does not presuppose identity of interests.

City, Territory and Architecture

Indeed, in a properly structured system, there will be an "identity of interests" between representatives and the electorate (Mill 1992, 22).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

During World War II and at the time of Sputnik, there was a clear identity of interest between the scientific community and the President.

MIT Technology Review

During the 14th century there were occasional variances, but the identity of interest established between the crown and the leading Welshmen proved durable.

Britannica

That modern society requires an identity of interest between enterprise and employee was seen very early, not only by pre-Marxist socialists like Saint-Simon and Fourier in France and Robert Owen in Scotland but also by classical economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo.

Harvard Business Review

"It is never healthy for the rule of law for lawyers to be criticised for doing their job: whether on the grounds of a supposed identity of interest between the aims of advocate and client, or the alternative suggestion currently promoted by the home secretary that lawyers are only interested in earning huge fees without any sense of social responsibility.

The Guardian

They adopted a role of identity of interest with Milošević and did not assume the role of disinterested third parties appointed to assist the Chamber only although the positions they adopted in their oral and written submission were aimed at ensuring the fairness of the proceedings, from their own professional point of view.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

In an oft-quoted passage, he wrote his own passionate definition of this consciousness, urging his belief that "class happens when some men, as a result of common experiences (inherited or shared), feel and articulate the identity of their interests as between themselves, and as against other men whose interests are different from (and usually opposed to) theirs.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identity of interests" to formally describe situations where different parties benefit from the same outcomes or have aligned objectives. Be mindful of the formal tone it conveys.

Common error

Avoid using "identity of interests" when simply describing shared needs or desires. The phrase implies a deeper alignment of strategic goals, not just superficial similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identity of interests" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe a situation or relationship characterized by aligned goals or objectives. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identity of interests" is a noun phrase used to describe situations where parties share common goals or benefit from the same outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound and found in authoritative sources like The Washington Post and Britannica, its frequency is rare. It's most appropriate in formal contexts like news reporting and academic discourse, where emphasis on strategic alignment is needed. When less formality is required, consider alternatives like "shared interests" or "common goals".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared objectives

This alternative is very close in meaning, directly highlighting shared objectives.

shared interests

This alternative focuses on the shared nature of the interests, omitting the formal tone of "identity".

congruence of interests

This alternative uses the word "congruence" to emphasize agreement and alignment.

common goals

This alternative emphasizes the shared objectives rather than the alignment of interests themselves.

alignment of objectives

This alternative replaces "interests" with "objectives", focusing on desired outcomes.

convergence of aims

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "interests" with "aims" and "identity" with "convergence".

harmony of purpose

This alternative indicates a state of agreement and unified direction.

mutual benefits

This alternative highlights the reciprocal advantages arising from shared interests.

like-mindedness

This alternative emphasizes a similarity in mentality and inclination towards interests.

common ground

This alternative uses a more metaphorical expression indicating shared understandings or goals.

FAQs

How can I use "identity of interests" in a sentence?

You can use "identity of interests" to describe situations where different parties or groups share common goals or benefit from the same outcomes. For example: "During World War II, there was a clear "identity of interests" between the scientific community and the President."

What's a simpler way to express "identity of interests"?

Alternatives include "shared interests", "common goals", or "mutual benefits". These options may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "identity of interests" instead of "common interests"?

"Identity of interests" is suitable when emphasizing a strong alignment of strategic objectives and potential benefits, whereas "common interests" is a more general term for shared likes or concerns. For a deeper meaning, you can always use "shared objectives".

Is "identity of interests" a formal or informal expression?

"Identity of interests" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, phrases like "shared interests" or "common ground" may be more appropriate.