share a common interest

USAGE SUMMARY

'share a common interest' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe that two or more people have the same interest, hobby, hobby, pastime, etc. For example, "My best friend and I share a common interest in photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two share a common interest in fostering greater social responsibility by individuals within society.

The Guardian

"The reality is that it's a fraternal organization of people who share a common interest".

The New York Times

And children, Professor Leiter said, share a common interest with their parents.

The New York Times

"If someone walks by with a Nintendo, great, I share a common interest.

The New York Times - Tech

They might have different political views, but they share a common interest in the existing global order.

The New Yorker

The BBS scientific umbrella is comprised of 9 interwoven research communities that bring together researchers that share a common interest.

Harvard University

MPS students may come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a common interest in viticulture and enology.

Cornell University

They did, however, share a common interest in the arts and politics, and also, apparently, some books.

Columbia University

"Singing Rammer Jammer is done with so much passion by so many people who share a common interest.

The New York Times

And at the same time we share a common interest in a government that is smart and high-tech and advanced and sober".

The New York Times

Wilson and the suit-and-tie-wearing people at the Bitcoin Foundation share a common interest in bringing Bitcoin to as many people as possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing groups, use "share a common interest" to emphasize a unifying element that brings them together, fostering collaboration or understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "common interest" implies universal agreement. While a group might "share a common interest", individual perspectives and approaches within that interest can still vary widely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "share a common interest" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a connection or similarity between two or more subjects. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

34%

News & Media

42%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "share a common interest" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts. It signifies a mutual liking or enthusiasm for a particular topic, activity, or field. Its neutral register allows for its use across various domains, including academic, news media, scientific, and even informal settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to remember that while individuals might "share a common interest", their perspectives and approaches can still differ. Understanding this nuance ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a mutual interest

Emphasizes the reciprocity of the shared interest.

have a shared passion

Highlights the intensity and enthusiasm associated with the common interest.

share a common bond

Focuses on the connection or link created by the shared interest.

have something in common

A more general way of expressing that people share some similarities, including interests.

are like-minded

Indicates a similarity in thinking and perspective due to shared interests.

share an affinity

Suggests a natural liking or attraction towards the same thing.

share a pursuit

Highlights that the common interest is something actively followed or strived for.

share an enthusiasm

Emphasizes the positive feeling associated with the common interest.

have overlapping interests

Highlights the degree to which interests coincide but with a sense of it being partial.

share a connection

Focuses on the link and feeling of kinship due to the shared interest.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "share a common interest"?

Alternatives include "share a mutual interest", "have a shared passion", or "have something in common", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "share a common interest"?

Yes, "share a common interest" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate that two or more people have the same interest.

What does it mean when people "share a common interest"?

It means they both enjoy the same activity, topic, or hobby, which can create a basis for connection and shared experiences.

How does "share a common interest" differ from "share a common goal"?

"Share a common interest" refers to a mutual liking or enthusiasm for something, while "share a common goal" implies a joint objective or aim that individuals are working towards together. They are not interchangeable.