be mutually exclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be mutually exclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where two or more events, conditions, or propositions cannot occur or be true at the same time. Example: "In this scenario, the two options presented are mutually exclusive, meaning you can only choose one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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

Use "be mutually exclusive" when emphasizing that two or more options or categories cannot occur or exist at the same time. This clarifies that choosing one necessarily excludes the others.

Common error

Avoid using "be mutually exclusive" when you actually mean to convey that options can coexist or overlap. If options can both be true, "be mutually inclusive" or "be complementary" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be mutually exclusive" functions as an adjective phrase that describes a relationship between two or more options, categories, or events. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's used to signify that these items cannot coexist or occur simultaneously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be mutually exclusive" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that indicates two or more options or conditions cannot occur simultaneously. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used across a variety of contexts, including News & Media and Science, to establish clear, non-overlapping distinctions. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize that a selection or condition prevents other options from being true and it's important to consider alternatives such as "be incompatible" or "be contradictory" to precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be incompatible

Focuses on the inability of two or more things to exist or function together harmoniously.

be contradictory

Emphasizes a direct opposition or logical inconsistency between two things.

be conflicting

Highlights a clash or struggle arising from opposing ideas or forces.

be distinct

Stresses the clear and recognizable difference between two or more things.

be discrete

Focuses on the individually separate and unconnected nature of items.

be non-overlapping

Indicates that two or more things do not share any common elements or areas.

be independent

Highlights the lack of influence or control one thing has over another.

be unrelated

Stresses the absence of any connection or association between two or more things.

be divergent

Emphasizes the tendency to move in different directions or deviate from a common point.

be separate

Underlines the condition of being divided or not joined.

FAQs

What does "be mutually exclusive" mean?

The phrase "be mutually exclusive" means that two or more events, conditions, or options cannot occur or be true at the same time. If one is true, the others must be false.

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

You can use it to describe choices or categories that do not overlap. For example: "In this scenario, the two options presented are mutually exclusive, meaning you can only choose one."

Which is correct, "be mutually exclusive" or "be mutually inclusive"?

The correct phrase depends on the context. "Be mutually exclusive" means options can't coexist, while "be mutually inclusive" means options can coexist or overlap.

What are some alternatives to "be mutually exclusive"?

Alternatives include "be incompatible", "be contradictory", or "be conflicting" depending on the nuance you want to convey.