caught one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people or entities have encountered or discovered each other, often in a surprising or unexpected way. Example: "As they explored the old house, they caught one another's gaze, realizing they were both equally startled by the sudden noise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The participants in an all-male ensemble jumped and caught one another.

The New York Times - Arts

As Mr. Reich's score poured forth, dancers hurled themselves about, caught one another and parted again.

The New York Times - Arts

At the last second they caught one another's eye and thought better of it.

The Guardian

In a duet for Gutierrez and Clark, in which they tenderly led each other around and caught one another in falls, they stopped periodically and conferred; we could never hear them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We first see her with her cabal of good guys as they catch one another up on what's been happening in the series.

Vice

Saudi Arabian society is so strictly segregated that men and women are forbidden to work together, shake hands, converse or even catch one another's eyes.

The Guardian - Travel

Highlights include the Ayak Brothers, trapeze artists from South Africa who catch one another with their feet, and Monique, from Paris, billed as the only black female lion tamer in the world.

The New York Times - Arts

It doesn't help that Tautou shrinks apprehensively every time Duris leans in to kiss her, or that the hottest moments in the book all seem to happen when Chloe, Alise, and Isis catch one another in various states of undress.

The New Yorker

The best collaboration happens by creating a solid feedback loop, where you can catch one another's errors before you're too far into the project.

TechCrunch

Humor in turn involves play with the expectations we share-whether innate or acquired-in order to catch one another off guard in ways that simulate risk and stimulate recovery.

Johns Hopkins University

Pasternack quickly landed a seven-pounder, I caught one, Pasternack caught another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates that the action is indeed reciprocal; otherwise, consider using alternative phrasing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "caught one another" when the action is not truly reciprocal. For instance, don't say "the police caught one another" if only one person was apprehended; instead, specify who was caught.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught one another" functions as a reciprocal action phrase, indicating that two or more entities are mutually involved in the same activity or experience. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caught one another" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express reciprocal actions or shared experiences between two or more parties. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is rare, and it's found primarily in news, arts, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the reciprocity of the action is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "encountered one another" or "found each other" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountered one another

This alternative emphasizes a chance meeting or interaction.

found each other

This suggests a discovery or coming together after a search or separation.

located one another

This implies a deliberate search leading to a mutual finding.

faced one another

This highlights direct confrontation or interaction.

saw each other

This is a basic way of saying they visually perceived one another.

met one another

This is a general term for an initial meeting.

discovered each other

This implies finding something previously unknown about the other.

collided with each other

This suggests a more forceful or accidental meeting.

intersected paths

This is a more metaphorical and literary way to describe a meeting.

connected with each other

This emphasizes a mutual bond or understanding formed.

FAQs

How can I use "caught one another" in a sentence?

You can use "caught one another" to describe situations where two or more entities are mutually involved in an action, such as "The dancers caught one another as they fell" or "The spies caught one another exchanging information".

What are some alternatives to "caught one another"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "encountered one another", "found each other", or "met one another".

Is it grammatically correct to say "caught one another's eye"?

Yes, "caught one another's eye" is grammatically correct. It describes a situation where two or more people make eye contact simultaneously, often suggesting a shared understanding or attraction. Example: "At the last second they caught one another's eye and thought better of it."

What's the difference between "caught one another" and "caught each other"?

"Caught one another" and "caught each other" are generally interchangeable and have the same meaning. Both phrases imply a reciprocal action or encounter between two or more entities. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.