find common ground
/faɪnd ˈkɒmən ɡraʊnd/
Meaning
To discover shared interests, beliefs, or opinions between people who otherwise disagree. It is used in negotiations, friendships, and conflicts to build a bridge between differing viewpoints.
Examples
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Despite their different political views, they managed to find common ground.
Despite their different political views, they managed to find common ground.
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It can be difficult to find common ground when both sides are stubborn.
It can be difficult to find common ground when both sides are stubborn.
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We both love hiking, which helped us find common ground during our first meeting.
We both love hiking, which helped us find common ground during our first meeting.
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The mediator's job is to help the two parties find common ground.
The mediator's job is to help the two parties find common ground.
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If we want to work together, we need to find common ground first.
If we want to work together, we need to find common ground first.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We need to find a common earth.
✓ We need to find common ground.
The idiomatic phrase is strictly 'common ground'. 'Earth' or 'land' cannot be substituted.
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✗ They found common grounds on the issue.
✓ They found common ground on the issue.
In this figurative sense, 'ground' is uncountable and should remain singular.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Although they had very different backgrounds, they were able to ___ over music.
💡 Discover shared interests or opinions.
Show answer
find common ground
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In any negotiation, the first step is to ___.
💡 Locate areas of agreement.
Show answer
find common ground