Meaning & use
common thread
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Meaning
nouncountable
an idea, feature, or pattern that appears in several different things and connects them
Grammar: Countable; usually used with 'a' or in the plural: a common thread, common threads.
Patterns
- a common thread between something
- a common thread running through something
- the common thread in something
Looking at all the complaints, a common thread is that customers cannot reach a real person.
There is a common thread between the three novels: each one is about returning home.
The common thread running through her speeches is hope.
Word forms
| plural | common threads |
|---|
Common combinations
- a common thread between
- Is there a common thread between these two problems?
- a common thread running through
- A common thread running through the reports is poor planning.
- identify a common thread
- The teacher asked us to identify a common thread in the stories.
- the common thread in
- The common thread in all his excuses is that he was too busy.
Synonyms and how they differ
- theme
- Theme is often used for a main idea in a book, film, or discussion; common thread stresses the link between separate things.
- pattern
- Pattern suggests something that repeats in a regular way; common thread is about one shared element, even if it appears only a few times.
- link
- Link is a direct connection between two things; common thread is the shared idea that joins several things.
Commonly confused: common thread or common threat?
common thread vs common threat
'Common thread' is about a shared idea or feature; 'common threat' is about a danger that affects everyone. They sound similar but mean different things.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'common thread' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'A common thread between' is the usual pattern. 'Of' and 'for' do not fit this phrase, and 'common thread' needs 'a' when it is singular.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “common thread”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.