we have in common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have in common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something shared between two people or groups. For example: "We have a lot of interests in common, like watching movies and playing sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

How much we have in common!

The Guardian - Books

What do we have in common now?

The New York Times - Sports

So what did we have in common?

The New York Times

"That's another thing we have in common".

The New York Times

This much we have in common.

The Guardian - Music

What we have in common are jokes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Now I wondered what on earth we had in common.

The New York Times - Magazine

Looking back, the kids were what we had in common, and now we don't.

The New York Times

It's Johnny Langdon.' We started talking and realized how many things we had in common".

The New York Times

The thing we had in common is that we were all waiting for money.

The New Yorker

I wish I knew what else we had in common.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have in common" to emphasize shared values, interests, or experiences when aiming to build rapport or highlight common ground.

Common error

Avoid using "we have in common" when you actually mean "we have in agreement". The first indicates shared attributes, while the second indicates a shared opinion or decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have in common" primarily functions as a connector to identify shared attributes, experiences, or interests between individuals or groups. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from personal connections to broader societal commonalities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we have in common" is a versatile expression used to denote shared attributes, experiences, or interests. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Lifestyle contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're highlighting genuine similarities rather than merely expressing agreement. Alternatives like "shared characteristics" or "common ground" may be suitable depending on the context. Remember that accurate usage builds stronger connections and clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonalities

This alternative directly references the state of sharing features or attributes.

similarities between us

Directly points out the likenesses that exist. The focus is more on the observable traits that are similar.

common ground

Suggests a basis for agreement or understanding. It's less about shared traits and more about finding agreement.

what unites us

Focuses on unity as the shared element, rather than simply having something in common. It emphasizes a stronger bond.

aspects we share

Highlights particular facets that are jointly experienced or possessed, providing a focused perspective.

shared characteristics

Highlights the common attributes between entities. It's more formal and specific than the query.

points of convergence

Emphasizes the areas where different things meet or agree. It's a more formal and analytical alternative.

things we agree on

Focuses on agreement, implying a cognitive alignment, which is more specific than general commonalities.

mutual interests

Specifically refers to shared interests, limiting the scope compared to the broader query.

shared experiences

Refers specifically to common events or occurrences, narrowing the focus from general similarities.

FAQs

How can I use "we have in common" in a sentence?

You can use "we have in common" to indicate shared traits, interests, or experiences. For example, "Despite our different backgrounds, "we have a lot in common", such as a love for hiking and classical music".

What's a more formal way to say "we have in common"?

In formal contexts, consider using "shared characteristics" or "points of convergence" instead of "we have in common".

How does "we have in common" differ from "we agree on"?

"We have in common" indicates shared attributes or experiences, while "we agree on" signifies a shared opinion or decision. The former is about commonalities, the latter about consensus.

Is it appropriate to use "we have in common" in professional settings?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable in professional settings to highlight shared values or goals. For instance, "What we have in common is our commitment to delivering exceptional results".