much in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much in common" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more people or things share similar characteristics, interests, or experiences. Example: "Despite their different backgrounds, they found that they had much in common, which helped them bond quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They had much in common.

The New York Times

We had so much in common.

The New York Times

The two firms have much in common.

The Economist

The countries have much in common.

The Economist

The two books have much in common.

The New York Times - Books

Not that they had much in common.

The Economist

But they have much in common.

The New Yorker

The two have much in common.

The New York Times - Sports

We have so much in common.

The New York Times

We don't have much in common.

Independent

Wilpon and Madoff had much in common.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "much in common", ensure it's followed by 'with' or 'between' to clearly state what is being compared. For instance, "They have "much in common" with each other" or "There is "much in common" between these two approaches".

Common error

Avoid omitting 'with' when stating what shares the commonalities. Saying "They have "much in common"" is incomplete. Instead, specify: "They have "much in common" with each other".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much in common" functions as a descriptor, highlighting the extent of shared attributes or interests between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and widely used expression. Examples show its use in comparing people, objects, and ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote significant similarities between entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, ensure to specify the entities being compared using "with" or "between" for clarity. Alternatives such as "a lot in common" or "many similarities" can provide stylistic variation, though "much in common" maintains a slightly more formal tone. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey shared attributes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lot in common

Expresses the same idea of shared characteristics with a slight variation in emphasis.

many similarities

Highlights the presence of multiple points of resemblance.

significant overlap

Emphasizes the shared aspects or elements between two or more things.

shared characteristics

Focuses on the attributes that are held jointly.

common attributes

Highlights shared traits or qualities.

mutual interests

Refers specifically to shared interests or hobbies.

shared ground

Suggests a basis for agreement or understanding due to shared experiences or beliefs.

points of convergence

Emphasizes the areas where different things meet or align.

parallel aspects

Indicates that different things have similar or corresponding features.

overlapping features

Focuses on specific features that are shared between different things.

FAQs

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

You can use "much in common" to express shared characteristics or interests. For example: "Despite their different backgrounds, they discovered they had "much in common"". Consider using alternatives such as "a lot in common" or "many similarities" for variation.

What phrases are similar to "much in common"?

Similar phrases include "significant overlap", "shared characteristics", or "mutual interests". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "have much in common"?

Yes, "have much in common" is grammatically correct. It's a common idiom used to express that two or more people or things share similar attributes or interests. For example: "The two countries have "much in common" in their approach to environmental policy".

What is the difference between "much in common" and "a lot in common"?

While both phrases express similarity, "a lot in common" is generally considered more informal than "much in common". They are largely interchangeable, but "much in common" might be preferred in more formal writing.