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Grammar fix

common interest

shared interest

Something that two or more people like, care about, or enjoy doing, which helps them connect or get along.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • They quickly became friends because they have a common interest in photography.relationships
  • In my opinion, having a common interest with your classmates makes group projects much easier and more enjoyable.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: have/find/share a common interest (in something)

WrongWe have many common interest.

RightWe have a few common interests.

Plural — 'common interests'.

Patternhave/find/share a common interest (in something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We possess several mutual hobbies.

Natural We've got a few common interests.

'Possess mutual hobbies' is stiff; natives say they 'have common interests' or 'share an interest'.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • common interest(s)
    share aa sharedin musichave

Don't confuse it

‘Common interest’ means something shared, while ‘personal interest’ is something only one person likes.

Try it in Daily Speak →