face each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face each other" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the physical alignment of two people, animals, or objects. For example, "The two stone statues faced each other, watching over the front gates of the palace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They face each other.

The Guardian

Invariably the greatest fighters face each other.

The New York Times - Sports

The two men face each other again.

Stanford University

A million troops face each other.

The New York Times

Giant mirrors face each other, signifying eternity.

The New York Times

We face each other on sofas.

The Guardian

the two top candidates face each other in December.

The New York Times

USA and Russia will face each other on Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

Their troops face each other along a cease-fire line.

The New York Times

Close over it, two men face each other.

The New Yorker

The microphones and the piano face each other like enemies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face each other", ensure the context clearly indicates the subjects are directly interacting or positioned in relation to one another, either physically or conceptually.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions that disrupt the reciprocal nature of the phrase. For example, "face to each other" is redundant; "face each other" already implies a mutual direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face each other" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reciprocal action or relationship. Ludwig examples show it describes physical positioning, confrontation, or competition between two or more entities. It conforms to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face each other" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase in English. It describes a reciprocal action or relationship between two or more entities, often indicating physical positioning, opposition, or confrontation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as in academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates a mutual relationship. While alternatives like ""confront each other"" or ""oppose each other"" exist, "face each other" provides a general and widely understood way to describe interactions or spatial arrangements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come face to face

Emphasizes the moment of encountering each other, often unexpectedly.

confront each other

Emphasizes a direct and potentially hostile interaction.

oppose each other

Highlights a state of conflict or disagreement.

stand opposite each other

Focuses on the physical positioning of the subjects.

be in opposition

Describes a state of being against each other, often in a competitive or adversarial context.

be confronted

Highlights the act of confronting, not necessarily mutual.

look at one another

Focuses on the act of seeing each other, emphasizing observation or awareness.

meet head-on

Suggests a direct and forceful encounter or confrontation.

be vis-à-vis

Formally indicates a face-to-face position or relationship.

be eyeball to eyeball

Suggests close confrontation or intense scrutiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "face each other" to describe a physical arrangement (e.g., "The buildings face each other across the street") or a confrontation (e.g., "The two rivals will "confront each other" in the final round").

What is a synonym for "face each other"?

Synonyms for "face each other" include "confront each other", "oppose each other", or "come face to face", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "face each other"?

The phrase "face each other" is generally correct. However, ensure it accurately reflects a reciprocal action or relationship. Avoid using it when describing a one-sided action or when the subjects are not directly related.

What's the difference between "face each other" and "facing each other"?

"Face each other" is typically used as a verb phrase indicating an action or future event, whereas "facing each other" is often used as a participial phrase to describe a current state or arrangement. For example, "They will face each other tomorrow", versus "They were standing, facing each other".