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Grammar fix

common ground

shared interest or agreement

A topic, interest, or opinion that two or more people agree on, even if they are different in other ways.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Even though we have different backgrounds, we found common ground in our love of music.relationships
  • In my opinion, finding common ground is important when working in a team because it helps everyone cooperate better.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: find/have/seek common ground (with someone)

WrongWe have a common ground on this.

RightWe have common ground on this.

Uncountable — no 'a'. Say 'find/have common ground'.

Patternfind/have/seek common ground (with someone)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We managed to identify areas of mutual agreement.

Natural We found some common ground.

'Areas of mutual agreement' is negotiation jargon; 'find common ground' is the natural phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • find/have common ground
    findhavesomeon

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'middle ground,' which often means a compromise between two sides.

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