ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have sth in common with sb

idiom.
B1 Intermediate Oxford

idiom. to share the same interests, experiences, or qualities as another person.

idiom. to possess shared characteristics, interests, or experiences with another party; functions as a multi-word predicate expressing mutual similarity.


SIMPLE

I have a lot in common with my new roommate.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite their different backgrounds, the two scientists found they had much in common with each other regarding their research goals.

COMPLEX

The two neighboring nations have little in common with one another besides a shared border and a brief period of colonial history.

Usage

usually used with quantifiers like 'a lot', 'much', 'something', or 'nothing' to show the degree of similarity.

Teaching tip

focus on the word order; learners often try to place the person immediately after 'have', but the shared quality or quantifier must come first.

Pitfall

I have in common many things with him.I have many things in common with him.the object or quantifier must be placed between 'have' and 'in common'.

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