Be mutually exclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be mutually exclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where two or more events, conditions, or options cannot occur or exist at the same time. Example: "In this experiment, the two variables must be mutually exclusive to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those two works couldn't be mutually exclusive.

The New York Times

Must the two be mutually exclusive?

The New Yorker

These mechanisms need not be mutually exclusive.

NeuroImage

The authors' approaches needn't be mutually exclusive.

Harvard Business Review

These are unlikely to be mutually exclusive.

Nature

The two might not be mutually exclusive.

The Washington Post

The goals do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The New York Times

The two theories may not be mutually exclusive.

The Guardian

But the two options may not be mutually exclusive.

Independent

Human rights and development must not be mutually exclusive.

The New York Times

Sports achievement and personal integrity can be mutually exclusive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing categories or options, ensure they "be mutually exclusive" to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear distinctions.

Common error

Avoid creating categories that are not "mutually exclusive". This can lead to confusion and inaccurate analysis. Clearly define each category to prevent overlap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be mutually exclusive" functions as a predicate, describing a relationship between two or more entities, conditions, or events. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability for denoting that these items cannot occur or exist simultaneously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be mutually exclusive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily in news, science, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that two or more entities, conditions, or events cannot occur simultaneously. Alternatives such as ""cannot coexist"" or ""are incompatible"" offer similar meanings, though "be mutually exclusive" is widely favored for its clarity and precision. When writing, ensure that the categories or options you describe as "mutually exclusive" truly do not overlap to maintain accuracy and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cannot coexist

Focuses on the inability of two things to exist at the same time.

Are incompatible

Highlights the contradiction or conflict between two things.

Preclude each other

Emphasizes the action of one thing preventing the other.

Exclude one another

Stresses the reciprocal exclusion between two things.

Are not compatible

Indicates a lack of alignment or harmony.

Are distinct

Highlights the separateness and difference between two things.

Are discrete

Focuses on the individual and unconnected nature of two things.

Are independent

Stresses the lack of influence or dependence between two things.

Operate separately

Emphasizes the independent functioning of two things.

Do not overlap

Highlights the absence of shared elements or common ground.

FAQs

How can I use "be mutually exclusive" in a sentence?

You can use "be mutually exclusive" to describe options or categories that cannot overlap. For example, "In this experiment, the possible outcomes must "be mutually exclusive" to ensure accurate results."

What does it mean for two events to "be mutually exclusive"?

For two events to "be mutually exclusive" means that they cannot both occur at the same time. If one event happens, the other cannot.

What are some alternatives to "be mutually exclusive"?

Alternatives include "cannot coexist", "are incompatible", or "preclude each other", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary for options to "be mutually exclusive"?

No, it's not always necessary. However, in certain contexts like statistical analysis or categorization, ensuring that options "be mutually exclusive" is crucial for clarity and accuracy.