Sharing things in common

[CaroGirl]

Is it redundant to qualify the word "share" with the word "common"? For example:

"They shared a common like for apples."

Instead of either:
"They shared a like for apples." or
"They had a like for apples in common."

Can anyone think of an example when you'd have to use both terms in the same sentence?

[LaceWing]

Seems redundant to me, yes. And I expect "liking" instead of "like" as a noun.

"In common with apples from the same tree, they shared a liking for (of?) . . . "

"Like apples from the same tree, they had in common a fondness for . . . "

[IceCreamEmpress]

"Liking for" and "love of."

"They had a love of apples in common."
"They shared a love of apples."

They had a liking for apples in common."
"They shared a liking for apples."

[Dana-Lynn]

So is saying: "That was one thing we shared in common." not the proper way to write that sentence?

[Judg]

DL, no, that sounds pretty bad. It's one thing you had in common, or a taste that you shared. The idea of commonality is pretty much the definition of share.

[maestrowork]

I've heard people say "we share something in common." If it's dialogue, then go with it. Otherwise, the correct way is "we have something in common" or "we share the same ... ".

[Dana-Lynn]

That makes sense. . . . HAD in common. Got it.

:D

Thanks, Judg & Maestro.


I'm off to "fix" a couple of sentences in my novel. he he

[CaroGirl]

Thanks for everyone's input. I had a feeling that "sharing in common" was redundant and I just wanted a supporting opinion or two. Sorry my example isn't the most grammatical. The real example is so stupidly technical it would put you all to sleep immediately.