things in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things in common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to shared interests, qualities, or characteristics between two or more people, groups, or things. For example, "My friend and I have several things in common, such as our love of animals and playing tennis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These efforts have several things in common.

The New York Times

We share many things in common.

The New York Times

There were definitely things in common.

The New Yorker

But they have things in common.

The Economist

They had other things in common.

The Economist

These comedies have several things in common.

The New Yorker

They have two things in common.

The Guardian - Opinion

They had several things in common.

The New York Times

His pieces had several things in common.

The New York Times

They had two other things in common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But they do all have certain things in common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things in common", be specific about what those shared attributes are to provide clarity and context. For example, instead of saying "They have many things in common", specify "They have many things in common, such as their love for hiking and their passion for environmental conservation".

Common error

Avoid using "things in common" without providing specific examples. It can make your writing vague and less impactful if you don't elaborate on what those shared attributes are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things in common" functions as a noun phrase used to describe shared attributes, interests, or characteristics between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things in common" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote shared attributes, interests, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to wikis, highlights its accessibility and relevance in contemporary English. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To maximize clarity, it's best practice to specify what those shared attributes are when using the phrase. Common alternatives include "shared characteristics", "mutual interests", and "common ground". The examples provided by Ludwig underscore the phrase's utility in establishing connections and emphasizing shared experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared characteristics

Emphasizes the qualities or features that are alike.

common attributes

Highlights the shared traits or properties.

mutual interests

Focuses on shared passions or hobbies.

shared traits

Underscores similar qualities or characteristics.

points of similarity

Draws attention to specific areas where likeness exists.

areas of convergence

Highlights where different elements meet or align.

connecting factors

Emphasizes the elements that create a link or bond.

similar aspects

Focuses on comparable features or elements.

shared ground

Implies a basis for agreement or understanding.

common denominators

Refers to fundamental similarities that underlie differences.

FAQs

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

You can use "things in common" to describe shared interests, characteristics, or qualities between people, objects, or ideas. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they discovered they had many "things in common"".

What are some alternatives to "things in common"?

Alternatives include "shared characteristics", "mutual interests", or "common ground", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific when mentioning "things in common"?

Yes, it is generally better to be specific. Instead of just saying "They have "things in common"", provide examples such as "They share a love of music and a passion for cooking".

How does "things in common" differ from "common ground"?

"Things in common" refers to specific shared attributes, while "common ground" often implies a basis for agreement or negotiation. You might say "They found "common ground" on the issue", but "They have many "things in common", like their alma mater and political views".