nothing in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nothing in common" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more people, things, or ideas do not share any similarities or connections. Example: "Despite being neighbors for years, they realized they had nothing in common and rarely spoke to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've got nothing in common".

Independent

Nothing in common?

The Guardian - Books

I have nothing in common with them.

Independent

"I had nothing in common with them.

The New York Times - Health

Otherwise, they have nothing in common.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have nothing in common.

The New York Times - Sports

They have nothing in common.

The Guardian - Books

They share nothing in common with nobody.

University of California, Berkeley

Nothing in common with Vince Coleman.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I have nothing in common with Harriet.

Princeton University

So we have nothing in common".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more vivid alternatives if you are aiming to create a stronger impression of dissimilarity. While "nothing in common" is clear, phrases like "worlds apart" or "poles apart" can add more color.

Common error

Avoid assuming "nothing in common" implies complete opposition. It simply means a lack of shared qualities, not necessarily conflicting ones. For example, two people may have "nothing in common" but still be able to coexist peacefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing in common" functions as a predicate nominative or object complement, describing a lack of shared attributes between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nothing in common" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a lack of shared qualities or interests. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing. While clear and direct, consider using more evocative alternatives for greater impact. Be mindful of the specific subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. Remember that having "nothing in common" doesn't necessarily imply conflict, just a lack of shared ground.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack any common ground

Focuses on the absence of shared interests, values, or beliefs.

have no connection

Highlights the absence of any link or relationship between the subjects.

share no overlap

Emphasizes the absence of any shared elements or characteristics.

are entirely different

Stresses the complete dissimilarity between the entities being compared.

bear no resemblance

Indicates that the subjects do not share any similar features or appearances.

aren't alike in any way

Emphasizes the complete absence of similarities between the subjects.

are worlds apart

Illustrates a vast difference or separation between the subjects.

are poles apart

Suggests a stark contrast or opposition between the subjects.

have disparate natures

Highlights the fundamentally different characteristics of the subjects.

don't relate

Simply states the lack of any relationship or connection.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing in common" in a sentence?

You can use "nothing in common" to indicate a lack of shared qualities or interests between two or more subjects. For example, "Despite growing up in the same town, they had "nothing in common"".

What are some alternatives to "nothing in common"?

Alternatives to "nothing in common" include "share no overlap", "have no connection", or "are entirely different", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have nothing in common with"?

Yes, "have nothing in common with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It emphasizes the lack of shared characteristics or interests between subjects. For example, "I have "nothing in common" with my coworker".

What's the difference between "nothing in common" and "little in common"?

"Nothing in common" indicates a complete lack of shared qualities, while "little in common" suggests some minimal shared characteristics but a general lack of similarity. The former is a stronger statement of dissimilarity than the latter.