have a lot in common

Meaning

This expression means to share similar interests, hobbies, beliefs, or backgrounds with another person. It is often used to explain why two people get along well or why they became friends. The opposite is 'have nothing in common.'

Examples

• We both love hiking and indie music, so we have a lot in common.

  We both love hiking and indie music, so we have a lot in common.

• Surprisingly, the two brothers don't have a lot in common.

  Surprisingly, the two brothers don't have a lot in common.

• It is much easier to talk to people when you have a lot in common with them.

  It is much easier to talk to people when you have a lot in common with them.

• Do you and your new roommate have a lot in common?

  Do you and your new roommate have a lot in common?

• Even though they come from different countries, they have a lot in common.

  Even though they come from different countries, they have a lot in common.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We have a lot of common.

  ✓ We have a lot in common.

  The correct preposition to use in this fixed idiom is 'in', not 'of'.

• ✗ They have many things in common.

  ✓ They have a lot in common.

  While 'many things in common' is grammatically correct, 'a lot in common' is the far more natural and common idiom in daily conversation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I love talking to him because we ___.

  💡 We share many of the same interests.

  Show answer

  have a lot in common

• Do you and your sister ___ with each other?

  💡 Use the base form after 'do'.

  Show answer

  have a lot in common