shared acquaintance

Meaning

This phrase refers to a person whom two people both know, but not necessarily very well. It is a more formal and polite alternative to 'mutual friend' and is often used in professional contexts, networking, or when explaining how two people were introduced.

Examples

• We were introduced by a shared acquaintance at the annual gala.

  We were introduced by a shared acquaintance at the annual gala.

• It turns out we have a shared acquaintance who works in your department.

  It turns out we have a shared acquaintance who works in your department.

• Our connection was established through a shared acquaintance in the legal field.

  Our connection was established through a shared acquaintance in the legal field.

• I only know of her through a shared acquaintance, so we haven't met in person.

  I only know of her through a shared acquaintance, so we haven't met in person.

• The police interviewed a shared acquaintance of both suspects to gather more information.

  The police interviewed a shared acquaintance of both suspects to gather more information.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We met through a common acquaintance.

  ✓ We met through a shared acquaintance.

  While 'common acquaintance' is sometimes understood, 'shared acquaintance' or 'mutual acquaintance' is much more idiomatic and natural in modern English.

• ✗ He is our shared acquaintance.

  ✓ He is a shared acquaintance of ours.

  It is grammatically awkward to call someone 'our shared acquaintance' directly. It is better to use 'a shared acquaintance of ours' or state that you 'have a shared acquaintance'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I realized we had a ___ acquaintance who went to the same university.

  💡 an adjective meaning held in common

  Show answer

  shared

• We were introduced through a shared ___ in London.

  💡 a person you know slightly, but who is not a close friend

  Show answer

  acquaintance