They share many of the same interests.

[diamondcutter]

People usually become friends because they have something in common. They share many of the same interests and like to be together.

Source: English test paper, Henan Province Senior High School Entrance Examinations, 2020

I don’t think the second sentence is well-written. “Share” and “same” have repeated meaning. What about these two versions?

1. They share many interests and like to be together.

2. They have many same interests and like to be together.

 

[probus]

The second sentence as written in the test paper is both perfectly correct and perfectly natural.

 

[diamondcutter]

I looked up the verb “share” in dictionaries. I think this definition is most likely to fit the context of the sentence in #1. Do you think so?

To have or use something at the same time as someone else.

This is a sample sentence from a Cambridge dictionary.
Bill and I shared an office for years.

Does this sentence also make sense?
Bill and I shared the same office for years. (Written by me)

 

[jutfrank]

Just think of it as meaning 'have'. Many of the interests they have are the same.

 

[teechar]

What about these two versions?

1. They share many interests and like to be together.

That is possible.

2. They have many same interests and like to be together.

No. That is ungrammatical. You can say "have many similar interests".