faced each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faced each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more subjects that are oriented towards one another, often in a confrontational or interactive context. Example: "The two competitors faced each other in the final match, ready to give their best performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They faced each other.

The New Yorker

These two sides last faced each other?

Independent

The city and he faced each other.

The New York Times

The countries faced each other four times.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2009, they faced each other again.

The New Yorker

They faced each other again in the sixth inning.

The New York Times - Sports

We flew together until we faced each other.

The Guardian

We faced each other — weary, exhilarated — and laughed.

The New Yorker

He and Billy faced each other over her.

The New Yorker

Of the chairs that remained, no two faced each other.

The New Yorker

The two men then turned and faced each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faced each other" to vividly describe direct interactions or confrontations between individuals or groups, enhancing the narrative's immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "faced each other" in overly passive or convoluted sentence structures. Ensure the subject actively engages in the facing, rather than being merely acted upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faced each other" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating a direct, often confrontational, interaction or spatial arrangement between two or more entities. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showcasing the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "faced each other" is a versatile verbal phrase commonly used to describe direct encounters, confrontations, or spatial arrangements between two or more entities. As evidenced by Ludwig's extensive examples, this phrase appears frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its proper usage can significantly enhance the vividness and clarity of your writing. Remember to avoid overuse in passive constructions and to ensure the reciprocal nature of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

met face-to-face

Focuses on the directness of the encounter, often implying a planned meeting.

confronted one another

Emphasizes a direct and often challenging meeting or encounter.

came face to face

Similar to "met face-to-face", but can imply a more sudden or unexpected encounter.

encountered one another

A general term for a meeting or coming into contact with each other.

opposed each other

Highlights a situation of conflict or disagreement.

stood in opposition

Highlights the act of standing against one another, either physically or ideologically.

were opposite each other

Indicates a spatial arrangement where entities are positioned directly across from one another.

challenged each other

Focuses on a competitive or argumentative interaction.

were vis-à-vis

A more formal way to describe two entities that are in a face-to-face relationship.

looked at each other

A more literal description of visual interaction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "faced each other" is used to describe a situation where two or more entities are positioned to look at or confront one another. For instance, "The two armies "faced each other" across the battlefield."

What are some alternatives to saying "faced each other"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "confronted one another", "met face to face", or "opposed each other". Each option offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it always necessary to specify "each other" when describing facing?

Yes, specifying "each other" indicates a reciprocal action. If you simply say "they faced the building", it means they turned to look at the building, not necessarily at one another.

How does "faced each other" differ from "were opposite each other"?

"Faced each other" implies a direct visual or confrontational relationship, whereas "were opposite each other" "were opposite each other" simply indicates a spatial arrangement without necessarily implying interaction or confrontation.