to find common ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to find common ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions or negotiations to refer to the process of identifying shared interests or agreements between differing parties. Example: "In order to resolve the conflict, both sides need to find common ground and work towards a mutually beneficial solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Use your findings to find common ground and build rapport.

The Guardian

"We're trying to find common ground".

The New York Times

He advised both to find common ground.

The New York Times

Why not try to find common ground?

The New York Times

"You always try to find common ground.

The New York Times

Instead, artists must work together to find common ground.

The Guardian

Hickenlooper said law enforcement should try to find common ground.

The Guardian

"You try to find common ground, insofar as possible.

The New York Times

"So maybe we will be able to find common ground".

The New York Times

It shouldn't be so hard to find common ground.

The New York Times - Magazine

But right now we need to find common ground".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to find common ground" to emphasize the act of searching for shared interests or beliefs, which can lead to collaboration or compromise.

Common error

Avoid using "to find common ground" when the goal is complete agreement. The phrase implies identifying shared interests, which may not fully resolve underlying disagreements. Instead, consider focusing on achieving full consensus or alignment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to find common ground" is as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. It typically expresses an intention or purpose, as seen in Ludwig examples such as "We're trying to find common ground" and "You always try to find common ground."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to find common ground" is a widely used and grammatically correct infinitive phrase that signifies the act of seeking agreement or shared understanding between differing parties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in news and media outlets underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse. While alternatives exist, each offers a subtly different nuance. When using this phrase, writers should consider the context and aim for mutual interests rather than complete agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to find a middle ground

Highlights seeking a compromise point that satisfies both sides without fully favoring either.

to reach an understanding

Highlights the achievement of mutual comprehension, not necessarily full agreement.

to establish consensus

Focuses on achieving agreement, implying a formal decision-making process.

to negotiate a settlement

Focuses on reaching a formal agreement, often in the context of resolving a dispute.

to identify areas of agreement

Emphasizes the process of pinpointing specific points where parties concur.

to foster accord

Emphasizes cultivating a harmonious relationship or agreement.

to seek commonality

Suggests actively looking for shared characteristics or interests.

to reconcile differences

Indicates an effort to resolve conflicts and bring opposing views into harmony.

to meet halfway

Implies compromise and mutual concessions to achieve partial agreement.

to build bridges

Metaphorically suggests creating connections and understanding between disparate groups.

FAQs

How can I use "to find common ground" in a sentence?

You can use "to find common ground" to describe the process of identifying shared interests or objectives between different parties. For example: "The diplomats are working hard "to find common ground" in the negotiations."

What is an alternative to the phrase "to find common ground"?

Alternatives to "to find common ground" include "to reach an understanding", "to establish consensus", or "to find a middle ground", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to find common ground" in negotiations?

It's appropriate to use "to find common ground" when parties have differing viewpoints but a shared goal. It emphasizes the collaborative effort to identify shared interests and work towards a mutually acceptable solution. For example: "Despite their political differences, they attempted "to find common ground" on economic policy."

What does it mean "to find common ground" in a discussion?

In a discussion, "to find common ground" means identifying areas of agreement or shared understanding between participants with differing opinions. It involves active listening, compromise, and a willingness to understand each other's perspectives.