some things in common

USAGE SUMMARY

"some things in common" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when comparing two or more things or concepts that share similar characteristics or qualities. Example: "Although they come from different cultures and backgrounds, John and Sarah have some things in common. They both love hiking, enjoy cooking, and have a passion for travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do have some things in common.

The New York Times - Tech

They certainly have some things in common.

The Guardian

Cohen and Milken have some things in common.

The New Yorker

The two Presidents have some things in common.

The New Yorker

I have some things in common with hippy ideologies but many things I don't.

The Guardian - Music

For all their differences, Mrs. Miller and Mr. Grijalva do have some things in common.

The New York Times

Of course, I can see now that the girl and I have some things in common.

The New Yorker

We have some things in common: she didn't enjoy literary success until her 40s.

The Guardian - Books

We don't spar that much but we have some things in common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Diverse as it is, Latin America does have some things in common.

The Economist

"When we got together we found we had some things in common," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "some things in common," ensure that you specify what those commonalities are to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "some things in common" without specifying what those things are. Failing to provide specific examples can lead to vagueness and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some things in common" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe a relationship or comparison between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some things in common" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate shared characteristics or attributes between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to specify the commonalities to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "shared characteristics" or "common attributes" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed. Overall, "some things in common" is a useful tool for highlighting connections and establishing common ground in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similarities

A general term for shared qualities or features.

shared characteristics

Emphasizes the qualities or features that are alike.

common attributes

Highlights the shared traits or properties.

shared features

Focuses on the elements or aspects that are the same.

shared traits

Highlights the qualities or characteristics possessed by multiple entities.

commonalities

Refers to the shared characteristics or qualities.

mutual aspects

Highlights elements that are reciprocal or held in common.

points of convergence

Emphasizes areas where different things meet or overlap.

areas of overlap

Focuses on the shared space or intersection between different entities.

shared ground

Highlights the basis for agreement or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "some things in common" in a sentence?

"Some things in common" is used to indicate shared characteristics or attributes between two or more subjects. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they found they had "some things in common"."

What are some alternatives to "some things in common"?

Alternatives include "shared characteristics", "common attributes", or "similarities". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have things in common" or "have some things in common"?

While both are grammatically correct, "have "some things in common"" is generally preferred as it acknowledges that the subjects may also have differences, making the statement more nuanced and realistic.

What's the difference between "in common" and "some things in common"?

"In common" is a broader term indicating any shared attribute, while ""some things in common"" specifies that there are particular, identifiable similarities between subjects. The latter is more specific and often requires further explanation.