one thing in common

USAGE SUMMARY

'one thing in common' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing two or more things which share a similarity. For example: "Despite their differences, the members of the band all had one thing in common: a passion for creating music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The stories go on, but with one thing in common – the timing.

The Guardian

Every house on the tour had one thing in common: foreclosure.

The New York Times

Everyone on the #VoteTogether team has one thing in common.

Forbes

But they do have one thing in common: they are centred on the human being.

The Guardian - Opinion

have one thing in common.

The New York Times - Books

They have one thing in common, though.

The New York Times

But they all shared one thing in common: determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bodies all had one thing in common.

The New York Times

They all had one thing in common: they lost money.

The New York Times

They do have one thing in common, though.

The New York Times - Books

I soon saw that they had one thing in common.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one thing in common", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that items have "one thing in common" when they share multiple similarities. Be specific about the single, most relevant shared aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one thing in common" functions as a connector to highlight a shared attribute between two or more entities. It introduces a specific point of similarity, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples and the widely accepted nature of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one thing in common" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to highlight a shared attribute between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To use the phrase effectively, ensure the items being compared are clearly defined, and focus on the single, most relevant shared aspect. While alternatives like "a shared characteristic" or "a commonality" exist, "one thing in common" provides a straightforward and accessible way to draw attention to a specific point of similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similarity

A direct synonym, emphasizing the likeness between things.

a shared characteristic

Focuses on the characteristic itself rather than the fact that it is shared.

a commonality

A more formal and concise way of expressing a shared trait.

a common attribute

Emphasizes the shared feature or quality.

a common thread

Implies a connection or unifying element between different aspects.

a unifying factor

Highlights the role of the shared element in bringing things together.

a mutual element

Highlights the reciprocity or shared nature of the element.

a point of convergence

Suggests that different things are meeting or intersecting at a specific point.

something shared

Highlights the idea of people possessing a particular commonality.

a link

Emphasizes a unifying connection between two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "one thing in common" in a sentence?

You can use "one thing in common" to point out a similarity between two or more subjects. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they had "one thing in common": a love for music."

What's a simple way to rephrase "one thing in common"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a shared characteristic", "a commonality", or "a similarity", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it better to say "one thing in common" or "something in common"?

"One thing in common" is used when you want to emphasize a single shared attribute, while "something in common" is used when there are multiple shared attributes without specifying a specific one.

Which is more formal, "one thing in common" or "a common attribute"?

"A common attribute" tends to be more formal and is often used in academic or technical contexts, while "one thing in common" is suitable for a broader range of situations.