face one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more people or entities that are positioned to look at each other or are in opposition. Example: "During the debate, the candidates faced one another, ready to present their arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The audience members face one another on opposite sides as elements accumulate in the performing space.

The New York Times - Arts

The four major Democratic candidates for mayor will face one another on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The Democrats will again face one another on Monday in a debate sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The New York Times

Both men seem likely to face one another at some point on a national stage, and the outcome of that contest will say much about the GOP's future.

Huffington Post

He turns the creatures around to face one another, and they begin to shimmy on their wheels.

MIT Technology Review

The two will face one another again in the men's doubles on Tuesday.

BBC

They were placed on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning they cannot face one another until the national championship game, if they reach it.

The New York Times

PolDom monomers face one another, with the bound duplexes (T/D) appearing in a near parallel orientation on the top of the complex.

Cell Reports

Some seats face one another with tables between.

The New York Times - Travel

Time to face one another and find our own solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

That dictated an unusual layout in which the pews face one another across the reading platform, or bimah.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical arrangements, ensure the context makes it clear whether you mean 'looking at' or 'being situated opposite'. For clarity, add descriptive information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "face one another" when a simple "facing" is sufficient. For instance, instead of saying 'The buildings face one another on the street', consider 'The buildings are facing each other on the street'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face one another" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a reciprocal action where two or more entities are positioned to look at or be opposite each other. Examples include people in a debate, buildings across a street, or opposing teams in a competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face one another" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes entities positioned to look at, oppose, or be opposite each other. It's versatile, appearing in News & Media, scientific articles, and general writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. When using the phrase, consider the context and whether simpler alternatives like "facing" might be more concise. Though "face one another" and "face each other" are interchangeable, choose the one that best fits the style and flow of your writing. By understanding its nuances and common errors, you can effectively use "face one another" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront each other

Emphasizes a direct and possibly hostile interaction.

oppose one another

Highlights conflicting positions or interests.

look at each other

Focuses on the visual aspect of the interaction.

meet head-on

Implies a direct confrontation or challenge.

be opposite each other

Describes a spatial arrangement with entities positioned directly across from each other.

stand face-to-face

Emphasizes the proximity and directness of the encounter.

encounter one another

Suggests a meeting or interaction, possibly unexpected.

be in opposition

Focuses on the conflicting nature of the relationship.

be vis-à-vis

A more formal way to describe entities positioned directly opposite each other.

contend with each other

Implies a struggle or competition between the entities.

FAQs

How can I use "face one another" in a sentence?

Use "face one another" to describe situations where two or more people or things are positioned to look at or be opposite each other. For example, "The debaters "confront each other" across the table."

What are some alternatives to "face one another"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""confront each other"", "oppose one another", or "look at each other".

Is it redundant to say "face one another"?

While "face one another" is generally acceptable, ensure it adds value to your sentence. In some cases, "facing" might suffice. For example, "The houses "are opposite each other" on the street" is clearer than "The houses face one another on the street."

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

Both "face one another" and "face each other" are generally interchangeable and mean the same thing. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.