encountering each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountering each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more people or entities meeting or coming into contact with one another, often in a social or situational context. Example: "During the conference, many professionals found themselves encountering each other in unexpected ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Soon, though, they began encountering each other at various events.

The New York Times

Encountering each other finally, old and young leaders melt in a puddle of mutual admiration -- a resolution that obviously satisfies many viewers.

The New York Times

Akomfrah's characters are forever stalled, hanging about, looking out to the horizon from some promontory or silently encountering each other with perplexed looks.

The Guardian - Arts

The judge kept saying she understood Mercedes, because they had been encountering each other in court for years, but she knew only a few things about her life.

The New Yorker

However, the chances of the molecules encountering each other at the right time when they're in the right energetic states are low.

MIT Technology Review

Arnie sleeps with Bert's wife; Bert doesn't seem to care; and an aimless story results in which they keep encountering each other.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It seemed, on the face of it, like an ordinary tale of long-lost lovers re-encountering each other, but the lyrics hint at something much darker.

The Guardian - Music

In fact they encountered each other in person only once.

The Guardian

We encountered each other again on Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Independent

Rich and poor seldom encounter each other in the United States.

The New York Times

Since then, when they encounter each other in the U.N. hallways, each looks the other way.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "encountering each other", consider the context and whether you want to emphasize the unexpected or coincidental nature of the meeting. This phrase works well when the meeting is not pre-arranged or particularly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "encountering each other" in highly formal or professional writing where a more direct and intentional term like "meeting" or "convening" would be more appropriate. This ensures a tone that aligns with the formality of the setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountering each other" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun in a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it typically serves as the subject or object of a verb, describing the act of people or entities coming into contact with one another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encountering each other" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that describes the act of people or entities meeting, often with an element of chance or unexpectedness. According to Ludwig, while generally neutral, its usage may be less suitable for very formal contexts, where direct alternatives like "meeting" are preferred. Its primary function is to describe situations where people come into contact. This review integrates findings from Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources, demonstrating the phrase's commonality in diverse contexts like news media and academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting one another

This alternative is a more general term for coming together and lacks the potential implication of chance or circumstance present in the query.

crossing paths

This phrase implies a brief or chance meeting, often suggesting that the individuals' lives intersect temporarily.

bumping into each other

This option suggests a casual, unplanned meeting, often in a public space.

running into one another

Similar to bumping into each other, this conveys a sense of unexpectedness.

coming across each other

This alternative indicates a discovery of each other, either physically or figuratively.

linking up

Implies arranging a meeting or forming a connection, typically more intentional than the original query.

getting together

A more generic term for meeting, which doesn't imply any specific conditions or circumstances.

socializing

This emphasizes the interaction and activity during the encounter, rather than the meeting itself.

congregating

Implies a gathering of multiple people, usually for a specific purpose.

assembling

Suggests a more formal or organized gathering, often for official purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "encountering each other" to describe situations where people meet unexpectedly or come into contact. For example, "The two leaders ended up "encountering each other" at the conference."

What are some alternatives to "encountering each other"?

Alternatives include "meeting one another", "crossing paths", or "running into one another". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "encountering each other" formal or informal?

"Encountering each other" is generally neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more direct terms like "meeting" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "encountering each other" and "meeting each other"?

"Encountering each other" often implies a chance or unexpected meeting, while "meeting each other" is a more general term for coming together, whether planned or unplanned. The subtle difference lies in the element of surprise or coincidence.