on common ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on common ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two or more parties share mutual understanding or agreement on a particular issue. Example: "Despite their differences, they were able to find common ground during the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's part of the 150-strong community cast performing in the On Common Ground production at the Citizens Theatre, alongside the Debajehmujig Storytellers from Canada.

BBC

"It's just nice to see old friends on common ground; no-one the host or the guest".

The Guardian - Books

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY "Dancing on Common Ground".

The New York Times

Institute begins publication of the periodical On Common Ground.

Yale University

I know you are building on common ground.

The New York Times

For a fleeting moment, they were on common ground".

The New York Times

Don't lie, but do expand on common ground to build rapport.

The Guardian

I wanted us to be on common ground," he said recently.

The New Yorker

Wednesday at 8 p.m. $6 to $22. "Homegrown on Common Ground," jazz.

The New York Times

That puts him on common ground with Democrats in the statehouse.

The New York Times

"You have to meet celebrities on common ground, even though there is none," said a director I know.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on common ground" to emphasize shared understanding or areas of agreement when trying to bridge differences between conflicting parties or ideas. It's particularly effective in discussions of politics, negotiations, or collaborative projects.

Common error

Avoid using "on common ground" when simply referring to a physical location. The phrase is almost always used metaphorically to describe shared beliefs, interests, or agreements, not literal ground.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on common ground" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs expressing agreement or cooperation. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a shared basis for understanding or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on common ground" is a widely used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that signifies shared understanding, agreement, or mutual interests. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal negotiations to informal discussions. Its frequent appearance in news media and academic writing underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects shared ideas rather than simply referring to a physical location. While alternatives like "in agreement" or "sharing a consensus" exist, "on common ground" provides a versatile and effective means of expressing mutual understanding and collaborative potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in agreement

Implies a state of accord or consensus between parties.

in accord

Similar to 'in agreement', suggesting harmony and mutual understanding.

sharing a consensus

Highlights the collective agreement on a particular issue.

finding commonality

Emphasizes the process of discovering shared interests or beliefs.

seeing eye to eye

An idiomatic expression indicating complete agreement.

having shared understanding

Focuses on the mutual comprehension of a situation or topic.

meeting halfway

Suggests a compromise where each party concedes some points.

reaching a compromise

Highlights the outcome of negotiations where parties find acceptable middle ground.

in mutual understanding

Similar to 'shared understanding' but emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the comprehension.

establishing rapport

Focuses on building a harmonious relationship based on shared interests or experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "on common ground" in a sentence?

You can use "on common ground" to indicate shared interests, beliefs, or understanding. For example, "Despite their political differences, they found "on common ground" regarding environmental protection".

What does it mean to find "on common ground"?

Finding "on common ground" means discovering shared interests, beliefs, or values with someone, which can then form the basis for agreement or cooperation.

What are some alternatives to saying "on common ground"?

Alternatives include "in agreement", "in accord", or "sharing a consensus", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "on common ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "on common ground" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing negotiations, agreements, or collaborative efforts. It effectively conveys the idea of shared understanding and mutual interests.