facing each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facing 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 physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The two friends sat on the bench, facing each other, as they shared their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are facing each other".

The New York Times

We were facing each other, holding hands.

The New York Times

And now they're facing each other?

The New York Times - Sports

"Two were sitting facing each other.

The New York Times

Vic and I stand facing each other.

The New Yorker

We stood there, facing each other.

The Guardian - Sport

"We always end up facing each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Now we're facing each other on a level playing field".

The Guardian - Sport

We sit facing each other across an MDF desk.

The Guardian - Music

Vicky Pryce and Chris Huhne facing each other in court.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They sit down in the wingback chairs, facing each other.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context provides sufficient clarity regarding what is "facing each other" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "facing to each other". The preposition "to" is redundant because "each other" already implies a reciprocal action or state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facing each other" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially or adjectivally to describe the relative position or orientation of two or more entities. As Ludwig confirms, it accurately depicts subjects oriented towards one another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "facing each other" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase widely used to describe spatial arrangements, interactions, or oppositions. As Ludwig shows, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. Remember to avoid the redundant "facing to each other", and consider alternatives like "opposite one another" or "vis-à-vis each other" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking at one another

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the interaction.

opposite one another

Focuses on the positional relationship between two entities.

across from each other

Highlights the spatial arrangement of entities in relation to each other.

vis-à-vis each other

A more formal way to express the relationship or comparison.

confronting one another

Suggests a more adversarial or challenging interaction.

opposing each other

Highlights a contrast or conflict in position or opinion.

head-to-head

Implies a direct competition or confrontation.

eyeball to eyeball

Suggests a close and intense encounter.

in opposition

Emphasizes the contrast in ideas or stances.

in direct contact

Highlights a direct physical or metaphorical connection.

FAQs

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

The phrase "facing each other" describes subjects oriented towards one another. For example, "The dancers were "looking at each other" during the performance" or "The buildings were "across from each other" on Main Street".

What are some alternatives to "facing each other"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "opposite each other", "vis-à-vis each other", or "confronting each other".

Is it grammatically correct to say "facing to each other"?

No, "facing to each other" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "facing each other" since the preposition "to" is redundant here.

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

The phrases "facing each other" and "facing one another" are largely interchangeable. "Each other" is typically used when referring to two entities, while "one another" can be used for two or more, although in practice, "each other" is common regardless of the number.