matter in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter in common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to shared interests, concerns, or issues between parties. Example: "Despite our differences, we still have some matter in common that we can discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"New Yorkers have most things in common and all things that matter in common.

The New York Times

Vegetable, in the broadest sense, any kind of plant life or plant product, namely "vegetable matter"; in common, narrow usage, the term vegetable usually refers to the fresh edible portion of a herbaceous plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consider too some matter m* that has no matter in common with m, but which could itself be made into a table.

SEP

Where 'y' and 'z' appear together in a premise, it is to be understood that y and z do not "overlap", which is to say that they do not have any matter in common.

SEP

But suppose we add that all it means for one thing and another to be "the same material object" is just for them to share all of their matter in common.

SEP

The lump of bronze in our example is clearly distinct from The Thinker, since it can exist without The Thinker; but it also clearly shares all the same matter in common with The Thinker, and hence, on this view, counts as the same material object.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And so it happens that Kogito Choko, the protagonist of "The Changeling," has many "personal matters" in common with Oe.

The New York Times - Books

We found that the two disorders involved gray matter deficits in common regions (p = 0.001).

BMC Psychiatry

PAGE A17 DEBATE OVER GAS-TAX HOLIDAY Although they found themselves in different parts of the country, and in opposing parties for that matter, Senators John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton had one thing in common on their agendas: defending the proposed gas-tax holiday.

The New York Times

Blood stains, bed bug stains, and fecal matter stains all have one thing in common: they're all organic stains.

WikiHow

No matter what kind of blade does the work, the sculptures have one thing in common.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter in common", ensure the context clearly indicates what the shared element is between the subjects being discussed. Be specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "matter in common" when the connection is tenuous or superficial. Ensure the shared element is substantive and relevant to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter in common" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It signifies a shared element or point of connection between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter in common" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating shared interests, concerns, or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and acceptability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While "matter in common" isn't overly common, understanding its proper usage—emphasizing substantive connections—can enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Consider alternatives like "shared interest" or "common ground" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shared interest

Focuses on a mutual point of interest or enthusiasm.

Common ground

Emphasizes areas of agreement or understanding.

Shared concern

Highlights a mutual worry or issue of importance.

Something in common

A more general way of saying there is a shared trait or interest.

Overlapping interests

Suggests that interests partially coincide or intersect.

Mutual concern

Highlights a shared feeling of worry or responsibility.

Shared characteristic

Focuses on an attribute that is possessed by multiple parties.

Area of convergence

Emphasizes a point where different things come together.

Point of agreement

Highlights a specific matter on which there is consensus.

Commonality

A more formal term indicating shared attributes or interests.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter in common" to indicate shared interests, concerns, or characteristics. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they found they had some "matter in common"."

What's a simple alternative to "matter in common"?

A simpler alternative is to say they have "something in common", which is a more general way to express the idea of a shared element.

When is it appropriate to use "matter in common"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a shared issue or concern that is significant to multiple parties. For example, in discussing political views, you might say, "Both parties recognize they have "matter in common" regarding national security."

Is there a more formal way to express "matter in common"?

Yes, "commonality" is a more formal term that indicates shared attributes, interests, or concerns. However, "matter in common" is suitable in many contexts.