Common Mistakes : Common

noun

.BAD: I think that people in common have good sides and bad sides
.GOOD: I think that people in general have good sides and bad sides

If you have the same background, interests, tastes etc as someone, the two of you have a lot in common
.I’m sure the marriage won’t last. They’ve got nothing in common

: When you mean that something happens or is true ‘in most situations’, use in general
.In general, parents care more about their children’s health than about their own
.Students in general have very little money to spend on luxuries

.BAD: There are so many things in common between us
.GOOD: We have so many things in common

: Two or more people have (got) something in common
We’ve moved in the same circles over the last ten years and so we have a great deal in common

adjective

.BAD: In Spain it is common that people turn up at your house without warning
.GOOD: In Spain it is common for people to turn up at your house without warning

: (it is common + for sb to do sth (NOT that
.It’s quite common for new fathers to feel jealous for the first few weeks