to bond over something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to bond over something" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of sharing an emotional or meaningful experience with someone. For example, you could say, "My friend and I bonded over a shared love of reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Create a culture task force, and give employees the time and opportunity to bond over something besides work.

Forbes

They're a chance for people to bond over something they do share". Facebook Groups will be able to apply for a slice of the fund.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This would give him and the president something to bond over!

Vice

This will give you something to talk about but it will also give you something to bond over.

WikiHow

This will quickly give them something to bond over.

The New Yorker

Katz thought a shared interest might give them something to bond over.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That'll give you both a chance to talk about the nuts and bolts of investing in a way that takes the mystery out of it and gives you something to bond over.

Forbes

We would have had something to bond over besides that tiny, yappy little bitch.

Vice

My father and I will still have something to bond over.

Los Angeles Times

It would have given us something to bond over, that wasn't a tiny, yappy little bitch.

Vice

At the time, I loved having something to bond over with my dad, and also read all of the (much more boring) sequels for that reason.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to foster team spirit, encourage team members to "bond over something" that is both enjoyable and inclusive for all, such as volunteering for a local cause or participating in a creative workshop.

Common error

Avoid using "to bond over something" in overly formal or academic writing; instead, opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "to cultivate relationships through shared endeavors" or "to establish rapport based on mutual interests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to bond over something" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of forming a connection or relationship with someone based on shared interests, experiences, or activities. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to bond over something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the development of a connection through shared experiences or interests. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "establish rapport" in academic or professional contexts. Remember, fostering connections is crucial, and finding common ground is a great way to achieve it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to connect through shared interests

Focuses on the shared interests as the means of connection, less emphasis on the emotional aspect of "bonding".

to share a common interest

Highlights the sharing of a common interest as a basis for a connection.

to relate through mutual experiences

Emphasizes shared experiences as the foundation for connection.

to find common ground

Highlights the discovery of shared interests as a basis for a relationship.

to find kinship in shared experiences

Suggests a deeper connection of kinship based on shared experiences.

to develop a rapport through shared passions

Suggests a more developed connection, emphasizing shared passions.

to build a connection over a mutual hobby

Highlights building a connection and specifies a hobby as the shared element.

to foster a relationship through shared activities

Focuses on the fostering of a relationship and the role of shared activities.

to identify with something in common

Focuses on the identification with a shared element, rather than the act of bonding.

to establish camaraderie through shared activities

Emphasizes the establishment of camaraderie and the role of shared activities.

FAQs

How can I use "to bond over something" in a sentence?

You can use "to bond over something" to describe how people form connections through shared experiences. For example, "The colleagues began "to bond over something" like their shared passion for hiking."

What are some alternatives to "to bond over something"?

Alternatives include "connect through shared interests", "find common ground", or "relate through mutual experiences", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to bond over something" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to bond over something" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "establish rapport" or "cultivate relationships".

What does it mean to "bond over something"?

To "bond over something" means to develop a close relationship or connection with someone due to a shared interest, experience, or activity.