excludes each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excludes each other" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used incorrectly as it suggests mutual exclusion, which is contradictory. Example: "The two options are mutually exclusive, meaning they exclude each other."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These options do not exclude each other.

The Guardian

These modes do not exclude each other, so swimming instructs.

The New Yorker

They exclude each other, and pretend to be friends with each other, as a game.

The Guardian

Being an Arab woman and a modern architect certainly don't exclude each other – when I was growing up in Iraq, there were many women architects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So instead of struggling over programs and candidates' capabilities, they are trying to exclude each other — even within the same party or alliance".

The New York Times

But it should take steps, in addition, to speed the growth of the economy's productive capacity: demand-side measures and supply-side measures do not exclude each other.

The Economist

"I've always been committed to the notion that modern art and ancient ritual can enhance, rather than exclude each other," said Mr. Kahn, 47, who studied Talmud in Jerusalem as a young man and recently received the 2000 Alumni Achievement Award from Pratt Institute, where he earned his master's degree in fine arts.

The New York Times - Arts

Some thinkers have described the divine as wholly transcendent of or "wholly other" than finite reality, some have maintained the total immanence of the divine, and still others claim that both concepts can be applied and therefore that the two characteristics do not exclude each other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Instead of getting along, they exclude each other".

Forbes

These views do not all exclude each other.

SEP

The two approaches exclude each other because of the sample preparation.

Micron

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing mutually exclusive options, use phrases like "are mutually exclusive" or "cannot coexist" for clarity.

Common error

Do not use "excludes each other" when "mutually exclusive" already implies that the options cannot overlap. This phrase is redundant and grammatically awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excludes each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, intending to convey mutual exclusion. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect and suggests using alternatives like "are mutually exclusive" for greater accuracy.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "excludes each other" attempts to describe mutual exclusion, it's considered grammatically incorrect. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, better alternatives include "are mutually exclusive", "cannot coexist", or "are incompatible". Opting for these alternatives ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy across various writing contexts, particularly in formal or professional settings. Using correct phrasing will enhance communication and prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are mutually exclusive

Replaces the verb phrase with a more precise adjectival phrase indicating a clear distinction.

cannot coexist

Stresses the impossibility of two things existing or occurring at the same time.

are incompatible

Focuses on the inherent inability of two things to coexist or function together.

do not overlap

Highlights the lack of shared elements or common ground between two concepts or entities.

are distinct

Emphasizes the separateness and lack of connection between two items.

are contradictory

Indicates a direct opposition and logical conflict between two statements or ideas.

are mutually exclusive and exhaustive

Adds the element of completeness, indicating that all possibilities are covered by the two options.

are at odds

Implies a conflict or disagreement that prevents two things from being compatible.

are polar opposites

Highlights the extreme contrast and opposition between two things.

are on opposite sides

Suggests a fundamental division or antagonism between two entities.

FAQs

How can I correctly express that two things cannot occur together?

Instead of saying "excludes each other", use phrases like "are mutually exclusive" or "cannot coexist" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

What's wrong with saying "excludes each other"?

The phrase "excludes each other" is redundant because the concept of exclusion is already inherent in the idea of mutual exclusivity. It's more concise and grammatically sound to simply state that the options "are mutually exclusive".

Is there a formal way to say that two concepts are incompatible?

Yes, in formal writing, you can use phrases like "are incompatible", "do not overlap", or "are distinct" to express that two concepts cannot exist or function together.

Are there situations where "excludes each other" might be acceptable?

While the phrase is commonly used, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It is always better to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "are mutually exclusive" or "cannot coexist".