sharing a common interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharing a common interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about two or more people having something in common. For example: "We became friends quickly because we had the same hobbies and were sharing a common interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

All women sharing a common interest is a political fiction, but an earlier generation of privileged women cut its teeth on the popular slogan "Sisterhood Is Powerful".

The Guardian - Opinion

An early interest in Dairy Crest waned after his milk teeth dropped out, but he is still keen on Rentokil, sharing a common interest in pest control.

The Guardian - Money

As a side benefit, a book like this can facilitate contacts and collaboration among diverse academic milieus sharing a common interest in information.

Stanford University

Yale Alumni in Energy (YAE) was formed in 2008 as a forum for Yale alumni sharing a common interest in energy.

Yale University

Basically, the platform allows groups sharing a common interest to engage in an offline activity together.

Forbes

However, her main encouragement came from sharing a common interest with the other girls in the program.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This disparate group shared a common interest.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Tech

He would have been so pleased that for once we shared a common interest.

The New York Times

He and Murdoch are friendly rivals and have shared a common interest in the past, reaching deals with each other.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing group dynamics, use "sharing a common interest" to illustrate how individuals connect and collaborate. For example, "The team members, sharing a common interest in sustainable energy, worked together to develop innovative solutions."

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "sharing a common interest" within close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "having a mutual interest" or "united by a shared goal" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharing a common interest" functions as a participial phrase, often used as an adjective to describe a group or individuals connected by a shared passion or hobby. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharing a common interest" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to describe connections between people or groups. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usefulness across various contexts, from casual conversations to formal reports. While synonyms like "having a mutual interest" and "united by a shared goal" can add variety to your writing, avoid overuse and always ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning. Remember to use it to illustrate the basis of relationships or collaborations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having something in common

A more general expression meaning sharing something such as an interest or experience.

having a mutual interest

Replaces "common" with "mutual", emphasizing the reciprocity of the interest.

sharing an enthusiasm

Replaces "interest" with "enthusiasm", suggesting a greater level of excitement.

possessing a shared passion

Substitutes "interest" with "passion", highlighting the intensity of the shared feeling.

with a shared concern

Highlights that the commonality is a worry or area of focus.

united by a common pursuit

Focuses on the active nature of the shared interest, framing it as a goal or aim.

having kindred spirits

Emphasizes the emotional connection and sense of belonging that comes from sharing interests.

of the same mind

Highlights agreement or harmony in thinking and feeling.

being on the same wavelength

Indicates a high degree of understanding and empathy.

finding common ground

Suggests a process of discovering shared interests, often in the context of negotiation or conflict resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "sharing a common interest" in a sentence?

You can use "sharing a common interest" to describe how people connect through shared hobbies, goals, or passions. For example, "They bonded over "sharing a mutual interest" in vintage cars."

What can I say instead of "sharing a common interest"?

You can use alternatives like "having something in common", "having a mutual interest", or "united by a common pursuit depending on the context.

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

Yes, "share a common interest" and "sharing a common interest" are both grammatically correct. The former is often used as a verb phrase, while the latter is a gerund phrase.

What's the difference between "sharing a common interest" and "having a common goal"?

"Sharing a common interest" implies a mutual liking or enthusiasm for something, whereas "having a common goal" suggests a shared objective or aim. Interests are often passions or hobbies, while goals are targets to achieve.