share something in common

USAGE SUMMARY

"share something in common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe two or more people, things, or ideas which have a connection or similarity. For example: "My friends and I have many life experiences that we share in common."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He and I share something in common.

The New York Times

Struggling companies all share something in common.

Harvard Business Review

Many underperforming sales organizations share something in common.

Harvard Business Review

Traditionally, members have had to share something in common, such as a locality, industry or workplace.

The Guardian

"I think you and I share something in common: We're always underestimated," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

The good news is that they already share something in common.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Although the organization as yet has no name, all its members share something in common--frustration over the effect street gangs are having on their lives.

Los Angeles Times

Here, too, it shares something in common with its forebears.

The New Yorker

The suggestion behind "The Heist Project," a one-woman show created by the dancer Belinda McGuire, is that it shares something in common with a jewel heist.

The New York Times - Arts

Martin Richard and Krystle Campbell, two of three people killed Monday at the Boston Marathon, shared something in common with most of those injured by the blasts.

The New York Times

Sharing something in common with Elizabeth Bowen's great novel The Heat of the Day, Gary Owen's four-hander captures the confusion of ordinary people living extraordinary lives in the emotional maelstrom of war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "share something in common", follow it with a specific detail or explanation of what is being shared to provide clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Be careful not to use redundant phrasing with "share something in common". For instance, avoid saying "share common similarities" because the word "common" is already implied in the original phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "share something in common" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that two or more entities possess a similar attribute, characteristic, or connection. It expresses a relationship of commonality, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "share something in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to indicate a similarity or connection between two or more entities. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and academic writing. Alternatives like "have attributes in common" and "possess a common trait" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, be sure to specify what the entities share to avoid vagueness. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have attributes in common

Focuses on the attributes that are shared.

possess a common trait

Highlights a specific shared characteristic or trait.

have a mutual connection

Emphasizes the connection or relationship between entities.

find common ground

Suggests discovering shared interests or beliefs.

have shared interests

Specifies that the commonality lies in interests.

relate to each other

Highlights a reciprocal relationship or connection.

have overlapping characteristics

Emphasizes overlapping qualities or features.

are alike in some ways

Indicates similarities in a general sense.

have a similar background

Specifies that the commonality is in their past experiences.

bear a resemblance

Suggests a similarity in appearance or nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "share something in common" to indicate a similarity between two or more things. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they "share something in common": a love for classical music".

What are some alternatives to "share something in common"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have attributes in common", "possess a common trait", or "have a mutual connection".

Is it grammatically correct to say "share something in common"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is a widely accepted and understood phrase in English.

What's the difference between "share something in common" and "have something in common"?

While very similar, "share something in common" often implies a more active or recognized connection, whereas "have something in common" is a more general statement of similarity. The phrases are largely interchangeable and interchangeable.