something in common

USAGE SUMMARY

"something in common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to describe a similarity between two or more people, things, ideas, etc. For example: "Although we come from different backgrounds, my friend and I had something in common - a love of travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

FISHERMEN have something in common with cowboys.

The Economist

But these C.E.O.s have something in common.

The New York Times

Yet they definitely had something in common.

The New York Times

He and I share something in common.

The New York Times

We all have something in common.

The New York Times - Food

"There has to be something in common.

The New York Times

Oh, O.K., we had something in common".

The New York Times

Or, at least, something in common?

The New York Times

We had something in common all along.

The Guardian - Sport

The latter two have something in common.

The Guardian - Sport

But every one of those Santas had something in common.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something in common" to highlight shared interests, characteristics, or experiences between people, objects, or ideas to build connection or understanding. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they found they had "something in common": a love for classic literature".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "something in common" without specifying what that commonality is. While useful for introductions, always aim to provide specifics for clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "They had "something in common", state "They both enjoyed hiking in the mountains".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something in common" serves as a noun phrase, functioning primarily to identify a shared attribute, interest, or characteristic between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase highlights commonalities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something in common" is a versatile phrase used to denote shared attributes, interests, or characteristics. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to connect ideas and people by highlighting common ground. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the shared aspect for clarity, avoiding vague language. Alternatives like "shared characteristic" or "common ground" can offer nuanced expression. With a high source quality score and expert rating, "something in common" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

element in common

Focuses on a specific common element.

common ground

Implies a basis for understanding or cooperation.

common trait

Highlights a shared quality or feature.

shared characteristic

Focuses on a specific attribute that is shared.

shared attribute

Highlights a common characteristic.

similarity

A broad term for shared qualities.

mutual interest

Emphasizes a shared interest or passion.

point of convergence

Suggests a meeting point or shared aspect.

correspondence

Indicates a matching or parallel aspect.

area of agreement

Focuses on shared opinions or beliefs.

FAQs

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

Use "something in common" to indicate a shared quality, interest, or characteristic. For example, "Despite their differences, they discovered they had "a lot in common"".

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

You can use phrases like "shared characteristic", "common trait", or "common ground" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "anything in common" instead of "something in common"?

"Anything in common" is typically used in questions or negative statements to inquire about or deny any shared qualities. "Something in common" is used in affirmative statements to assert that there is a shared quality.

How does "something in common" differ from "everything in common"?

"Something in common" implies a partial overlap in qualities or interests, while "everything in common" suggests a complete or near-complete overlap. The choice depends on the extent of the shared attributes.