share a common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "share a common" is correct.
You can use it when two or more people have an element in common, or when two things or ideas are linked in some way. For example, "The two companies share a common goal of providing excellent customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All dogs share a common operating system.

The New Yorker

"For me, we share a common language.

Independent

"We share a common enemy.

The New York Times

All three families share a common problem.

The New York Times

"But we do share a common ancestor".

The New York Times

"We share a common challenge," he said.

The New York Times

They share a common base colour.

The Guardian - Arts

The choreographers share a common vocabulary.

The New York Times - Arts

The priests will share a common area and a kitchen.

The New York Times

"The live arts share a common challenge here.

The New York Times - Arts

The two inevitably overlap, and they share a common assumption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "share a common", ensure the shared element is clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, "These strategies share a common focus on customer retention."

Common error

Avoid using "share a common" when the commonality is already implied. For instance, instead of saying "They share a common mutual friend", simply state "They have a mutual friend."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "share a common" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that two or more entities possess a similar characteristic, attribute, or experience. Ludwig examples show its versatility in expressing shared origins, challenges, or features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "share a common" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate a shared attribute, origin, or experience between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While highly frequent and generally neutral in register, careful usage is advised to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity. Alternatives like ""have in common"" offer nuanced options for expressing shared characteristics. The phrase is widely recognized and understood, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have in common

This alternative directly highlights the shared element, focusing on the possession of a similar characteristic.

possess a shared

Emphasizes the ownership or holding of something jointly, adding a slightly more formal tone.

have a mutual

Highlights reciprocity and shared feelings, objectives, or attributes.

mutually experience

Highlights the shared experience aspect, focusing on a common event or feeling.

jointly undergo

Similar to "mutually experience", but emphasizes a process or undergoing a shared change or situation.

are linked by a similar

Emphasizes a connection or association based on a shared attribute or circumstance.

descend from a shared origin

Specifically focuses on a common ancestry or source, useful in historical or genealogical contexts.

are united through

Highlights the unifying aspect of a shared element, suggesting a strong bond or connection.

embrace a similar

Implies active adoption or acceptance of a common idea, value, or approach.

participate in the same

Focuses on involvement in a common activity or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "share a common" to indicate that two or more things have something in common. For example, "The two companies share a common goal of reducing carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "share a common"?

Some alternatives to "share a common" include "have in common", "possess a shared", or "mutually experience", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what is being shared when using "share a common"?

While it's not always grammatically required, explicitly stating what is being shared provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "They share a common", specify "They share a common interest in environmental conservation."

What's the difference between "share a common" and "have a mutual"?

"Share a common" generally indicates a shared attribute or characteristic, while "have a mutual" typically refers to a relationship or feeling. For example, you might "share a common ancestor" but "have a mutual respect".