interlocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'interlocking' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that fits into or works with something else to form a complete unit. For example: "The complex interlocking gears of the machine helped it function properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cox said the collision may have been caused by a breakdown in the ride's control system or a faulty "interlocking" system, which is designed to prevent both carriages from being on the same piece of track.

The Guardian

"Our movement faces three main, interlocking economic questions that are much more acute now than in the past: how to deliver excellent public services at a time when money is tight?

The Guardian

Some thought its cinematographer, Yang Weihan, deserved recognition for the multi-level reflected images that echoed precisely its characters' interlocking solipsism.

The Economist

America is increasingly looking like imperial Britain, with dynastic ties proliferating, social circles interlocking, mechanisms of social exclusion strengthening and a gap widening between the people who make the decisions and shape the culture and the vast majority of ordinary working stiffs.It's sticky out thereAll this may sound a bit impressionistic.

The Economist

"Vertigo" shares a structure with "The Emigrants": four interlocking narratives of varying length.

The Economist

With the web of interlocking business relationships that is the norm among modern firms, a fault at a big data-processing firm that never actually interacts with customers can damage the reputation of all sorts of companies who draw from and feed into this supplier.

The Economist

Sure enough, those whose circles had became more religiously diverse in between the surveys expressed measurably more positive feelings towards other religions.Is this web of interlocking personal relationships among people of many different faiths the secret transmission mechanism of religious tolerance in America?

The Economist

Over three gruelling days, an unintimidated Mr Lazarevic painted a damning picture of the tightly interlocking links between various Serb nationalist forces.

The Economist

I find it hard to believe that any of the mild-mannered, stability-loving conservative Iowans who told me they want to put a constitutional conservative in the White House really favour junking hundreds of years of prior constitutional interpretation and reinterpretation along with the massive, interlocking system of institutions that has evolved along with them.

The Economist

Interlocking networks of subsidiaries and sister companies can allow funds to flow quickly into promising new businesses.

The Economist

If a child's kite was heading for disaster, "Dédé" would unhesitatingly ditch his own to save it.His own kites, though, were masterpieces: great cellular wheels 13 feet in diameter, a double wheel called "the Crown", clocks, castles, star-shapes made of tetrahedrons, and five interlocking rings in honour of the Olympic games.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interlocking", ensure that the context clearly indicates the elements that are connected or integrated. Providing specific examples or descriptions of the connections enhances clarity and comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "interlocking" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the connection isn't clear. Ensure there's a tangible or understandable link between the elements you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interlocking" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe components or systems designed to connect or engage with each other. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used to characterize the nature of that connection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interlocking" functions primarily as an adjective to describe elements that connect or fit together, often ensuring stability or functionality. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, business, and technical contexts. When using "interlocking", ensure the connection between elements is clear and tangible, avoiding overly abstract applications. Similar terms like "meshing" or "interconnected" may offer alternative nuances depending on the context. The word appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian, with a neutral register appropriate for objective reporting. Its high expert rating, based on grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency, underscores its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meshing

Focuses on the physical engagement or interaction of components.

interconnected

Emphasizes the state of being connected or linked to one another.

intertwined

Highlights the weaving or twisting together of different elements.

integrated

Suggests a seamless combination or blending of different parts.

linked

Directly indicates a connection or association between two or more things.

coordinated

Implies a harmonious or synchronized relationship among different elements.

correlated

Emphasizes a statistical relationship or mutual dependence.

mutually dependent

Highlights the reliance of different elements on each other.

articulated

Focuses on the clear and distinct connection or arrangement of different parts.

hinged

Indicates dependence or reliance on a specific point or condition.

FAQs

How is "interlocking" used in a sentence?

The word "interlocking" describes elements that are connected or fitted together. For example: "The ride's safety depended on an "interlocking system"".

What words are similar to "interlocking"?

Similar words include "meshing", "interconnected", and "intertwined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "interlocking" in formal writing?

Yes, "interlocking" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage across various professional contexts, such as news and business, demonstrates its acceptability and correctness.

What's the difference between "interlocking" and "overlapping"?

"Interlocking" implies a physical or functional connection where elements fit together, while "overlapping" suggests that elements cover a portion of each other without necessarily connecting. Consider replacing overlapping by "overlaying".