they share in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they share in common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more subjects have a particular quality, characteristic, or element that is the same or similar. Example: "The two cultures they share in common have rich traditions and values that influence their daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, they share in common at least one domain capable of recognizing specific carbohydrates reversibly without changing its structure.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

What distinguishes this new wave of bookstores is that their individual personalities shine through what they share in common.

The Washington Post

Unlike conservatives, we believe that the people can enlarge their freedom through the only power that they share in common, which is their government.

Princeton University

But Islamic countries, the only thing they share in common is Allah and they are fighting with each other, and they have classes".

The New York Times - Sports

But while the post-holders of the top job in Scotland's and England's top universities might differ in number, they share in common one salient fact: all 300-plus have been men.

The Guardian

That spectrum is based on something they share in common: the presence of Lewy bodies – the unnatural clumping of the normal protein, a-synuclein, within brain neurons," she said.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I tested the speakers in categories that they shared in common: music, trivia, dining, entertainment and the smart home.

The New York Times - Tech

NEW ORLEANS — Emmitt Smith first heard about Trent Richardson a few years ago, from the coach they shared in common.

The New York Times - Sports

"We both come from Russian and Slavic backgrounds," were among the things Ms. Lapchuk said she learned they shared in common.

The New York Times

Languages could then be compared on the basis of how many cognate words on a Swadesh list they shared in common.

The New York Times - Science

"I remember people competing to see how many 'friends' they could accumulate and how quickly, and tracking how many 'friends' they shared in common with other 'friends,' " Ma said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they share in common", ensure that the subjects you are referring to have been clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. It's best used when the shared attribute is not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid adding extra words that reiterate the meaning of "share in common". For example, saying "they share a common trait in common" is redundant. Simplify to "they share a common trait" or "they have a trait in common".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they share in common" functions as a connector, linking two or more subjects by indicating a similarity or shared attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It introduces an element that the subjects both possess, contributing to a comparison or shared understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they share in common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote shared attributes or characteristics between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable. Its usage spans across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, highlighting its versatility. While common, it's important to avoid redundancy in phrasing and ensure that the subjects of comparison are clearly defined. Related phrases such as "they have in common" can offer more concise alternatives while maintaining the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have in common

This alternative is more concise, omitting the redundant "share".

they possess jointly

Replaces "share" with "possess" and adds "jointly" to emphasize shared ownership.

they have a commonality in

Uses the noun "commonality" to express the shared aspect, adding a slightly more formal tone.

they are alike in

Focuses on the similarity between the subjects regarding a specific aspect.

they mutually experience

Focuses on the shared experience rather than a shared characteristic.

they commonly exhibit

Highlights a behavior or trait that is typically seen in both subjects.

they both demonstrate

Emphasizes that the trait or characteristic is actively shown by both.

they are unified by

Emphasizes that something brings them together or makes them similar.

they concurrently feature

A more formal way of saying they both have something, suitable for technical contexts.

they overlap in

Indicates a shared area or aspect where the subjects are similar.

FAQs

What does "they share in common" mean?

The phrase "they share in common" means that two or more things or people have similar characteristics, qualities, or experiences.

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

You can use it to highlight similarities between subjects. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, "they have a passion for music"".

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

Alternatives include "they have in common", "they possess jointly", or "they mutually experience" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "they share a common trait in common"?

Yes, it is redundant. A more concise way of saying that is to write "they share a common trait" or "they have a trait in common".