share a common understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "share a common understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of mutual comprehension or agreement among individuals or groups. Example: "In order to work effectively as a team, it is essential that we share a common understanding of our goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The two sides "share a common understanding of where our red lines are..

The Washington Post

Come join others who are working towards resolution of the experience & share a common understanding.

University of California, Berkeley

It is only when Russia and Europe share a common understanding of past events that something durable can be built between them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Examples of civility would be when elected officials are decent to opponents, seek compromise with them or even share a common understanding of facts.

The New York Times

And second, Ross noted the United States and Israel share a common understanding as to how far along Iran's nuclear program is.

The Washington Post

A key factor for integration is that tools share a common understanding regarding the meaning of the exchanged terms and services.

Science of Computer Programming

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

President Rousseff's office said Brazil and the European Union shared a "common understanding" on data privacy.

Independent

Lenders and debtors shared a common understanding: In spite of strained debtor-country budgets, all renegotiated external indebtedness would be treated equally in priority of payment.

The New York Times

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda kept up the pressure, telling the same committee he believed the Bank of Japan shared a common understanding with the government on the need to beat deflation.

The New York Times

The HCD process revealed that the real challenge at hand for the team was "how might we improve currently limited guidance and support services available to start-ups in the country". With that, the team was able not only to create much better and cheaper programs more quickly, but also to start from a foundation where all of the stakeholders shared a common understanding of the challenge.

Harvard University

1 Group of people sharing a common understanding who reveal themselves by using the same language, manners, tradition and law.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex or abstract topics, always verify that you "share a common understanding" of the key terms and concepts. Misunderstandings can easily arise if people are using the same words to mean different things.

Common error

Don't assume that everyone "shares a common understanding" simply because they nod in agreement. Actively solicit feedback and ask clarifying questions to confirm true comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "share a common understanding" functions primarily as a declarative statement indicating that two or more parties have a mutual comprehension of a particular subject, concept, or situation. It is widely used, and Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "share a common understanding" is a versatile expression used across various domains to emphasize the importance of mutual comprehension and alignment. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears frequently in news, scientific literature, and academic discourse. To ensure effective communication, especially in collaborative environments, verifying that all parties "share a common understanding" is crucial. While the expression is straightforward, assuming understanding can lead to errors. It's always best to confirm comprehension actively. Alternatives such as "have a mutual understanding" or "reach a consensus" can be used to express similar ideas with subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a mutual understanding

Focuses on the reciprocity of understanding between parties.

have a shared perspective

Highlights the common viewpoint or outlook.

reach a consensus

Emphasizes the agreement reached after discussion or negotiation.

possess a common viewpoint

Highlights the common viewpoint or outlook.

achieve a shared interpretation

Focuses on the act of interpreting something similarly.

align in perspective

Indicates agreement and alignment in viewpoint.

see eye to eye

An idiomatic expression for agreeing or sharing the same opinion.

be on the same wavelength

Implies intuitive agreement and understanding.

establish a common ground

Focuses on finding areas of agreement.

comprehend each other

Emphasizes the act of understanding each other's views.

FAQs

How can I ensure that my team "shares a common understanding"?

Use clear and concise language, encourage open communication, and solicit feedback to confirm comprehension. Regular check-ins and summaries can also help maintain a "mutual understanding".

What's the difference between "share a common understanding" and "agree"?

"Share a common understanding" implies a mutual comprehension of facts or concepts, while "agree" suggests an alignment of opinions or beliefs. You can "share a common understanding" of a problem without necessarily agreeing on its solution.

What are some alternatives to "share a common understanding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have a mutual understanding", "reach a consensus", or "be on the same wavelength".

Why is it important to "share a common understanding" in a team?

When team members "share a common understanding", they are better equipped to collaborate effectively, make informed decisions, and avoid costly miscommunications. This leads to improved productivity and a more cohesive work environment.