crowding each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crowding each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where multiple entities are in close proximity, often leading to a sense of congestion or lack of space. Example: "The children were crowding each other at the playground, eager to get on the swings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Writer's night thoughts have been crowding each other for room inside his brain lately.

The New Yorker

There's still water in the creek; large tadpoles are crowding each other out in the remaining waterholes.

The Guardian - Travel

But soon after that they start crowding each other for food and space and growth dramatically slows.

The Economist

In some places, the festivals are crowding each other to the point that some arts managers feel they are competing for audiences and artists.

The New York Times - Arts

Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart were crowding each other some in midfield, van der Vaart was replaced in the 67th minute by Elia, the only player on the field to show any sense of urgency.

The New York Times - Sports

A few weeks ago, women began arriving at 7 p.m., and soon a collection of the latest bags from Prada, Gucci and Marc Jacobs -- along with one coveted black Murakami Louis Vuitton handbag -- were crowding each other out on a white overstuffed sofa.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Her best hope would be a crowded primary field, where anti-establishment candidates crowd each other out.

HuffPost

Competitors perpetually crowd each other out.

Harvard Business Review

He once said that, "My ideas come from everywhere and crowd each other out".

The New York Times

In New York, they crowded each other out, out of homes, out of jobs.

The New York Times

Newly hatched fruit flies crowd each other in their glass tube nurseries; a freshly modified microscope for examining the insects exposes its wire-forested innards.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crowding each other" to vividly describe situations where physical space is limited, leading to congestion or competition. For example, "The seedlings were crowding each other in the small pot, so I transplanted them to larger containers."

Common error

Avoid using "crowding each other" when describing abstract concepts where physical proximity isn't relevant. For example, instead of saying "The ideas were crowding each other in his mind", consider "competing for attention" or "overwhelming him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crowding each other" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb construction to describe a dynamic situation involving multiple entities vying for limited space or resources. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crowding each other" effectively describes situations where entities are in close proximity and vying for the same space or resources. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, general writing, and even scientific discussions. However, it's important to use "crowding each other" appropriately, avoiding abstract contexts where physical proximity isn't relevant. Consider using alternative phrases like "jostling each other" or "competing for space" to fine-tune your message and ensure clarity. Remember, precise language enhances your writing and ensures that your intended meaning is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jostling each other

Emphasizes the act of pushing or bumping against each other in a confined space.

competing for space

Highlights the competitive aspect of occupying limited space.

huddling together

Suggests a close gathering, often for warmth or protection, implying limited personal space.

packed together

Focuses on the density and lack of space between individuals or objects.

bumping into each other

Emphasizes the physical contact and limited maneuverability in a crowded environment.

overlapping each other

Describes a situation where entities partially cover or occupy the same space.

infringing on each other's space

Highlights the violation of personal or allocated space.

encroaching on each other

Similar to infringing, but suggests a gradual and subtle intrusion.

converging on each other

Focuses on the act of moving towards a central point, resulting in crowding.

massing together

Highlights the gathering or accumulation of entities into a dense group.

FAQs

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

You can use "crowding each other" to describe situations where entities are in close proximity and competing for space, such as "The festivals are "crowding each other" to the point that some arts managers feel they are competing for audiences and artists."

What are some alternatives to "crowding each other"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "jostling each other", "competing for space", or "huddling together".

When is it inappropriate to use "crowding each other"?

It's best to avoid "crowding each other" in abstract contexts where physical proximity isn't the primary issue. Consider more suitable phrases like "competing for attention" or "overwhelming him" when describing ideas or emotions.

What does it mean when candidates are "crowding each other" in an election?

In an election context, candidates "crowding each other" typically means there are many candidates with similar platforms or ideologies, potentially diluting the vote and making it harder for any one candidate to achieve a majority. A ranked-choice voting system prevents candidates from "crowding each other" out.