compound each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compound each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how two or more elements enhance or intensify each other's effects or characteristics. Example: "The two chemicals compound each other, resulting in a more potent reaction than either would produce alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Because of this reality, the black feminist concept of intersectionality, the idea that oppressions criss-cross and compound each other, has been seismic.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is not pitching badly, just poorly enough to make him un happy, and sometimes these things tend to compound each other.

The New York Times

Away from the scrutiny of elected lawmakers and voters, members' bad habits and the self-interest of officials compound each other.

The Economist

The leader of the main opposition party, Nitin Gadkari, is the latest public figure to be fitted with a gastric band.Old and new diseases compound each other.

The Economist

In countries where the gap in wages between high earners and the rest has also increased, the two effects compound each other.

The Economist

For Crenshaw – who coined the term "intersectionality" in the 1980s to describe the way different forms of discrimination overlap and compound each other – it is a brutal illustration of how racism and sexism play out on black women's bodies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Those two things compounding each other could be an explanation for what you're talking about now".

The New York Times

'The trouble is, the problems are coming thick and fast, compounding each other,' says a former senior executive in the Murdoch empire.

The Guardian

These two mistakes compounded each other: if the negative impact of austerity on economic growth is greater than was originally assumed, and the positive impact of quantitative easing is weaker, then the policy mix favored by practically all European governments has been hugely wrong.

The Guardian - Business

These fees add up, compound on each other and can quickly ruin someone's finances.

Forbes

Compound synergy was examined in binary combinations of the 7 remaining active compounds with each other and with ezetimibe.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compound each other" to clearly indicate that multiple elements are intensifying or enhancing one another's effects. For example, "The effects of stress and lack of sleep can compound each other, leading to burnout."

Common error

Avoid using "compound each other" when referring to a single element. The phrase implies a reciprocal action between multiple factors, not an intrinsic property of one thing. For example, avoid saying "The problem compounds each other," and instead say "The problems compound each other."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compound each other" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that multiple elements combine to intensify or worsen each other's effects. As seen in Ludwig, it often appears when describing how various factors or issues interact and exacerbate one another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Wiki

16.67%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compound each other" is a verb phrase used to describe how multiple elements intensify or worsen each other's effects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common application in contexts such as News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly frequent, the phrase is valuable for clearly indicating synergistic negative or positive interactions. When writing, ensure the phrase refers to multiple interacting elements and not a single entity. Alternatives like "intensify each other" or "reinforce one another" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensify each other

Highlights the amplification of qualities or effects.

amplify each other

Stresses the increase in magnitude or intensity.

mutually reinforce

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the strengthening effect.

reinforce one another

Focuses on mutual support, implying a strengthening effect.

augment each other

Similar to "amplify", but suggests addition or enhancement.

magnify one another

Implies an increase in perceived importance or effect.

feed into each other

Describes how two or more elements influence and affect each other.

aggravate each other

Suggests a worsening effect due to interaction.

exacerbate one another

Similar to "aggravate", emphasizing an increase in severity.

build on each other

Indicates a sequential accumulation of effects.

FAQs

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

Use "compound each other" to describe how multiple factors or elements intensify or worsen each other's effects. For example, "Racism and sexism "compound each other" to create unique challenges for women of color."

What does "compound each other" mean?

The phrase "compound each other" means that two or more things combine to intensify or worsen the effect of each. It suggests a synergistic negative or positive interaction.

Which is more appropriate, "compound each other" or "compounding each other"?

While both can be used, ""compound each other"" is typically used as a verb phrase to describe the interaction of multiple factors, whereas "compounding each other" is a gerund form that functions as a noun or adjective.

Are there synonyms for the phrase "compound each other"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "intensify each other", "reinforce one another", or "aggravate each other" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.