things in common vs something in common

Both "things in common" and "something in common" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Things in common" is used when referring to multiple similarities shared between two or more entities, while "something in common" is used when talking about a single similarity shared between two or more entities.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 65 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple similarities shared between two or more entities.

"things in common"

This phrase is used when talking about the various similarities shared between two or more entities. It is often used in the plural form to indicate multiple commonalities.

Examples:

They discovered they had many things in common, such as a love for hiking and a passion for photography.
Despite their differences, they found several things in common that helped them bond.

Show examples from the web [+]

Spaniards and Koreans have many things in common.
They all had certain things in common.
Find someone you have things in common with.
I think socialism and Buddhism have some things in common.
However, initially, the walls were rather unstable and had not many things in common with those robust and valuable solid constructions, typical of the transalpine areas.
You were from the same world and had things in common.
They have three things in common: They're brilliant, beautiful...
We could have had more things in common if I'd wanted to.
Our countries must have many things in common.
They all had two things in common.
They all had 2 things in common.
I think we have some things in common.
Maybe it's because elephants share many things in common with us.
Because I believe we have more things in common than not.
I think we have many things in common, Mr. Scrooge.
You and I have some things in common.
He and Ellen suddenly have too many things in common.
Madge and I had many things in common.
It's great to have things in common.
Companies have several things in common with families:1.

Alternatives:

shared interests
similarities
commonalities
mutual traits
shared characteristics

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about a single similarity shared between two or more entities.

"something in common"

This phrase is used when referring to a single similarity shared between two or more entities. It is often used to highlight a specific commonality.

Examples:

They realized they had something in common - a love for classic literature.
Despite their different backgrounds, they found something in common that brought them together.

Show examples from the web [+]

All these people had something in common.
Japanese has something in common with Korean.
All buildings today have something in common.
You and I actually have something in common.
You have something in common with this woman.
But she must have something in common with Monroe and Draper.
It seems Toddy and Mr. Bernstein have found something in common.
There's got to be something in common.
According to Ko Chow, they have something in common.
We have something in common, Mr. Caffey...
At that moment, Lily Charles had something in common with a lifelong enemy.
Never thought I'd have something in common with the worst part of someone.
You and my parents have something in common.
Obviously, Mayko has something in common with the patients in Hudson.
Well, look, we must have something in common.
Somebody in this godforsaken town I actually have something in common with.
We got something in common, blondie.
We almost had something in common.
I now have something in common with Paige's dad.
Both songs have something in common: that same appeal of celebration and unity.

Alternatives:

a shared trait
a commonality
a similarity
a mutual interest
a common ground

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