adopted each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adopted each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where two parties have mutually accepted or taken on roles or responsibilities similar to those of a family or partnership. Example: "After years of friendship, they felt so close that they adopted each other as siblings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The fellas in the neighborhood, we kind of adopted each other," Turetzky said.

The New York Times

That's what makes me think now that we sort of adopted each other for two months that summer.

The New York Times

Ms. Evanovich and Trenton have quite happily adopted each other, to tell from the love fest that ensues when she shows her face in town, which invariably means vodka fettucini at Marsilio's and cookies from the Italian People's Bakery.

The New York Times - Books

We then legally adopted each other's biological child.

The New York Times

In today's shrunken universe, Europe and South America have adopted each other's traits, while the rest of the world strives to emulate both.

The New York Times

I met Will, a passionate, highly talented Christian Poet, a few years ago in the streets of Wynwood and we soon adopted each other as Uncle and Nephew.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But they cannot jointly adopt each other's children because joint adoption in the state is tied exclusively to marriage.

The Guardian

They filed a lawsuit in 2012 because they're barred from jointly adopting each other's children.

The Guardian

A recent court ruling in France blocked two married lesbians from adopting each other's child, against the interests of these two children.

The Guardian

Rowse, 49, and DeBoer, 42, are raising three adopted children with special needs but are unable to adopt each other's children because same-sex couples are barred from marrying in the Great Lakes state.

The Guardian

In the past decade, the court has required Bulgaria to care properly for people with mental and physical disabilities, and Austria to allow same-sex couples to adopt each other's children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adopted each other", ensure the context clearly indicates a mutual agreement or action. It's most effective when describing relationships that have evolved to a point of deep connection or interdependence.

Common error

Avoid using "adopted each other" when describing a one-sided action or feeling. This phrase implies a mutual process, so ensure both parties are actively involved in the 'adoption'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adopted each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, describing a mutual action between two or more entities. It signifies a mutual acceptance, assumption of roles, or deep connection. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adopted each other" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a mutual agreement or deeply reciprocal relationship. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, conveying a sense of shared acceptance or commitment. While most frequent in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse written communication. Common alternatives include "mutually embraced" or "formed a reciprocal bond". It's crucial to ensure the context indicates a mutual action to avoid misusing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutually embraced

Focuses on the emotional aspect of acceptance and connection.

formed a reciprocal bond

Highlights the mutual nature of the relationship and the connections that have been established.

became each other's keepers

Emphasizes the responsibility and care involved in the relationship.

established a mutual connection

Focuses on the creation of a shared understanding and bond.

found kinship

Suggests a familial or deeply connected relationship.

united in purpose

Highlights a shared goal or objective that brings them together.

developed a shared identity

Focuses on the merging or blending of individual identities.

became intertwined

Suggests a complex and inseparable relationship.

coalesced into one

Emphasizes the merging of two entities into a single unit.

nurtured a symbiotic relationship

Highlights a mutually beneficial dependency.

FAQs

How can I use "adopted each other" in a sentence?

You can use "adopted each other" to describe a mutual agreement or close relationship, such as: "The two companies "adopted each other's" best practices to improve efficiency."

What does "adopted each other" mean?

"Adopted each other" implies a reciprocal acceptance or taking on of roles or qualities. It often describes a deep connection or mutual commitment between two parties.

What is a good alternative to "adopted each other"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "adopted each other" could include "mutually embraced", "formed a reciprocal bond", or "became each other's keepers".

Is it grammatically correct to say "adopted each other"?

Yes, "adopted each other" is grammatically correct when used to describe a mutual action or relationship.