“Mutual Friend” vs. “Common Friend” vs. “Friend In Common”

There seem to be a few ways to talk about a “mutual friend.” You might also see “common friend” or “friend in common.” This article will explore the differences (if any) and how to use them.

Is It “Mutual Friend,” “Common Friend,” Or “Friend In Common”?

“Mutual friend” is the most common choice when talking about a friend you have in common with somebody else. “Common friend” is another good choice, but some people think that “common” is an adjective here that’s used to describe a friend that isn’t as good as someone else.

“Mutual Friend” vs. “Common Friend” vs. “Friend In Common”

“Friend in common” is just a different way of writing “common friend.” In some ways, it is more useful because it removes the notion that “common” might be an insulting adjective to talk about how someone isn’t as good a friend as someone else.

What Does “Mutual Friend” Mean?

Let’s look at the three phrases more closely. It should help you to figure some of them out.

“Mutual friend” means that someone has the same friend as another person. This usually applies when two people are friends with each other, but they are both independently friends with someone else as well.

For example, let’s imagine we have a group with Dave, Kim, and Nick.

Dave and Kim are best mates. Nick is friends with Dave but has not met Kim yet. Therefore, Kim can refer to Dave as a mutual friend of Nick’s when they meet.

Check these examples out:

  1. I have a mutual friend with Daniel, but I don’t know who it is.
  2. We have a lot of mutual friends, but I think it’s weird that we’ve never spoken.
  3. Our mutual friends have told me a lot about you, and I’m so glad to finally meet you.
  4. There are plenty of mutual friends on this list, and yet I still don’t know who she is.
  5. I don’t have many mutual friends with you, but I’m sure you’re a nice guy.

What Does “Common Friend” Mean?

Now let’s see how “common friend” might work in a similar manner.

“Common friend” means the same as mutual friend. However, “common” isn’t as good here because some people might think it’s an adjective to show that someone is okay as a friend, but there are better options.

For example:

  • Jack is a common friend, but Dan is better.

Still, here are some examples to help you:

  1. Our common friends have a lot to say about you. Some of it is good, some of it is bad.
  2. You have too many common friends with him. I think you should talk to him!
  3. I didn’t know that we had any common friends! It’s a small world, isn’t it?
  4. Your common friends mentioned that you know her. How do you find her?
  5. It’s not just about common friends, though I do understand why so many people are happy that we share them.

What Does “Friend In Common” Mean?

“Friend in common” can also be used in a similar fashion to “common friend.”

“Friend in common” is an extended form of “common friend.” It’s more effective at identifying the same meaning as “mutual friend,” but some people think it’s too long-winded to include in their writing.

These examples might help you with it:

  1. We have friends in common. Maybe that means we’re destined to be great friends as well.
  2. Don’t worry; I won’t sell you out to any of our friends in common.
  3. You have a friend in common with him even though he lives in a different country.
  4. Our friends in common have said loads about you, which is why I agreed to meet.
  5. You don’t need any more friends in common with her! They’re all toxic!

Is “Mutual Friend,” “Common Friend,” Or “Friend In Common” Used The Most?

Finally, let’s check out some statistics to see which is the most popular choice of the three.

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “mutual friend” is used the most. This shouldn’t be surprising, as it’s the most common way to see “mutual friends” described and written on most social media sites.

Mutual Friend vs. Common Friend vs. Friend In Common historical usage

From the graph, it’s also clear that “common friend” is more popular than “friend in common.” This is due to writing style because “common friend” is a simplified form of “friend in common.” Most writers are keener to use simplified forms where they can.