is common to both

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "is common to both" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is shared or held in common by two people or groups. For example, "The enthusiasm for gaming is common to both children and adults."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first is common to both: indiscipline.

The Guardian - Books

This allows eliminating noise that is common to both signals.

Designerys Guide to the Cypress PSoC

But one thing is common to both versions: the total demolition of Deeley's sense of security.

The Guardian

The character "X" has a nonalphabetical use that is common to both languages.

The New Yorker

You observe the spatulate finger-ends, Watson, which is common to both professions?

Stanford University

The long fight of the fringes against the heartland is common to both.

Independent

This theme is common to both the first and the second parts of the play.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kubera, also referred to as Vaiśravaṇa, is common to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The excellent eight-speed auto box, which is common to both engines, sees to that.

Independent

The control device is common to both driving device and transfer device which are connected together.

Procedia Engineering

Investigators must consider ways of constructing a compliance measure that is common to both conditions.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is common to both", ensure that the two items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify whether you are referring to methods, theories, objects, or concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "is common to both" when discussing more than two subjects. The phrase is designed to highlight shared attributes between exactly two entities. For multiple subjects, consider using phrases like "is common among all" or "is a shared trait".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is common to both" serves as a linking phrase, specifically functioning to highlight a similarity between two distinct subjects. This aligns with Ludwig's examples demonstrating shared attributes, characteristics, or processes. The phrase's primary grammatical function is to predicate a shared quality. Ludwig AI validates the correctness of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is common to both" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote shared attributes between two specific subjects. According to Ludwig, its correctness is validated and is prevalent in various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedic content. When using "is common to both", clarity regarding the subjects being compared is crucial. Alternative expressions like "is shared by both" or "both share" can provide stylistic variation. Ludwig AI confirms the expression as accurate and useful, while ensuring the subjects are exactly two.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is shared by both

Emphasizes the sharing of something concrete or abstract.

both share

Reverses the sentence structure, focusing on the entities first.

is mutually present in both

Highlights the mutual presence or existence in both entities.

applies equally to both

Focuses on the applicability or relevance to both entities, rather than a shared characteristic.

is found in both

Similar to "exists in both", suggesting discovery or identification.

is characteristic of both

Focuses on a defining feature rather than a common attribute.

exists in both

Emphasizes the presence or existence, but not necessarily a shared presence.

is a feature of both

Highlights a specific attribute or trait in both entities.

is typical of both

Highlights the usual or expected nature in both.

is related in both

Indicates some form of link or connection in each.

FAQs

How do I use "is common to both" in a sentence?

Use "is common to both" to indicate a shared characteristic or attribute between two specific subjects. For example, "The need for collaboration is common to both researchers and engineers."

What can I say instead of "is common to both"?

You can use alternatives like "is shared by both", "applies equally to both", or "both share" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is common between both"?

While "is common between" can be used, "is common to both" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically standard when referring to two specific entities. "Is common among" is used for more than two items.

What's the difference between "is common to both" and "is unique to both"?

"Is common to both" signifies a shared attribute, whereas "is unique to both" implies that the attribute is exclusive to those two subjects and not found elsewhere. They are antonyms.