under the same roof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the same roof" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more people sharing a home, or to describe two or more people being in the same physical space. Example: My family has been living under the same roof for over fifty years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they are under the same roof.

The Guardian - Arts

Several generations live under the same roof.

The Guardian

"It's all under the same roof.

The Guardian - Books

"There's an awful lot of talent under the same roof".

The New York Times

We no longer live under the same roof.

Independent

We didn't get along under the same roof.

The New York Times

Sometimes rifts over drilling are found under the same roof.

The New York Times - Science

"It would be under the same roof, controlled by Romoff.

The New Yorker

"Under the Same Roof: Value of Shared Living in Airbnb" (in preparation).

Cornell University

But now the two men will again be working under the same roof.

The New York Times - Arts

In real life, the two characters never worked under the same roof.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex relationships, "under the same roof" can be used to highlight potential conflicts or synergies arising from shared environments.

Common error

Avoid using "under the same roof" when you only mean that people are in the same general area, but not necessarily sharing the same building or home. For example, saying "the bakery and the bookstore are under the same roof" is correct only if they are literally in the same building.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the same roof" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by indicating the location or shared environment where an action takes place. It describes the condition of people or entities coexisting or operating within a single physical space or organizational structure, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the same roof" is a common and versatile idiom used to describe people or entities sharing a physical space or organizational structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase, typically emphasizing the impact of shared environments on relationships or operations. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the subjects are, in fact, sharing the same physical space or organizational framework. Alternatives such as ""in the same household"" or ""living together"" can be used depending on the specific context. With its high frequency across diverse sources, understanding the nuances of "under the same roof" is valuable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the same household

Emphasizes the domestic aspect of living together.

sharing a residence

Focuses on the act of sharing a place to live.

living together

A general term for cohabitation, lacking the specificity of a single dwelling.

cohabitating

A more formal term for living together, implying a degree of permanence.

in common housing

Highlights the communal aspect of shared living arrangements.

within the same dwelling

Stresses the physical structure that houses the individuals.

housed together

A more passive way of indicating that people live in the same place.

sharing accommodation

Focuses on the shared aspect of the living arrangements

domiciled together

Formal, legalistic term for living at the same address.

in unified quarters

Emphasizes the idea of unity within the living space.

FAQs

How can I use "under the same roof" in a sentence?

You can use "under the same roof" to describe people living in the same house (e.g., "The family has lived "under the same roof" for generations") or organizations sharing a building (e.g., "The marketing and sales departments operate "under the same roof"").

What are some alternatives to "under the same roof"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in the same household", "sharing a residence", or "living together".

Is it correct to use "under one roof" instead of "under the same roof"?

Yes, "under one roof" is a common and acceptable alternative to ""under the same roof"". Both phrases convey the idea of being in the same building or organization.

Can "under the same roof" be used metaphorically?

Yes, ""under the same roof"" can be used metaphorically to describe different entities operating within the same organizational structure or system, even if they are not physically located in the same place.