many things in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "many things in common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe shared interests, characteristics, or experiences between two or more people or groups. Example: "Despite our different backgrounds, we found that we have many things in common, such as our love for travel and music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We share many things in common.

The New York Times

The two presidents have many things in common.

The New York Times

"We have many things in common," Mr. Putin said graciously.

The New York Times

The two places have many things in common.

The New York Times - Food

Raising money from angels and the crowd have many things in common.

The Guardian

"The two cultures, Mexican and Dominican, have many things in common.

The New York Times

THE mayoral candidates elbowing their way toward November do not have many things in common.

The New York Times

"We don't have many things in common, to be honest," Qureshi said.

The New York Times - Sports

The services, ScanCafe of Burlingame, Calif., and DigMyPics of Gilbert, Ariz., have many things in common.

The New York Times

We have many things in common, and we grew up together playing".

The New York Times - Sports

"A bullfighter and a priest have many things in common – life, death and eternity.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more subjects, ensure that the shared attributes are clearly defined and relevant to your overall point.

Common error

Avoid assuming that having "many things in common" automatically implies complete agreement or identical perspectives. Acknowledge potential differences alongside similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many things in common" functions as a descriptor, indicating that two or more entities share a multitude of similarities. It's commonly used to highlight shared interests, characteristics, or qualities, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "many things in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express shared similarities between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the shared attributes and avoid overstating the implications of these similarities. Consider alternatives like "a lot in common" or "shared interests" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. The analysis reveals its widespread applicability and consistent meaning, solidifying its position as a reliable phrase in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lot in common

This alternative is shorter and more informal.

much in common

This alternative replaces "many things" with "much", providing a more concise expression.

numerous shared traits

This alternative uses more formal language, replacing "things" with "traits" and adding "shared".

several common aspects

This alternative uses "several" instead of "many" and focuses on "aspects" rather than "things".

a shared affinity

This alternative focuses on a sense of connection or liking, implying a common feeling or interest.

common ground

This alternative implies a basis for understanding or agreement.

shared characteristics

This alternative emphasizes shared features or qualities.

mutual interests

This alternative specifically refers to shared interests or hobbies.

overlapping qualities

This alternative highlights the idea that the qualities are not exactly identical but share characteristics.

parallel attributes

This alternative is more formal and highlights attributes that are similar.

FAQs

How can I use "many things in common" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to highlight shared characteristics or interests between people, objects, or concepts. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they discovered they had "many things in common"."

What are some alternatives to saying "many things in common"?

Alternatives include "a lot in common", "shared interests", or "common ground". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "many things in common"?

Yes, "many things in common" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's a common way to express that two or more entities share multiple similarities.

What's the difference between saying "much in common" and "many things in common"?

While both phrases indicate shared similarities, "much in common" is more concise, whereas ""many things in common"" emphasizes the numerous shared aspects. "Much in common" implies a general sense of shared interests or characteristics, while ""many things in common"" highlights that specific items can be counted.