is mutually exclusive with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is mutually exclusive with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where two events, conditions, or propositions cannot occur or be true at the same time. Example: "In this study, we found that high levels of stress are mutually exclusive with optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Independence sounds good in theory, but in practice, it is mutually exclusive with accountability.

The Washington Post

Clinical evidence indicates that mutation/activation of EGF receptors (EGFRs) is mutually exclusive with the presence of K-RAS oncogenes in lung and colon tumors.

Cancer Cell

There wouldn't be any malign repercussions if I did put my name to it, but it is in the bloodstream of islanders that the operation of local society is mutually exclusive with the confrontational nature of party politics.

The Guardian

A kind from one taxonomy is mutually exclusive with another if it cannot simply be introduced into it because the objects to which it refers would be subject to different sets of natural laws.

SEP

Neither category is mutually exclusive, with many works doing double-duty by fitting into both — and others.

Los Angeles Times

"I don't think an event being fiercely competitive is mutually exclusive with it being an enjoyable social experience," he says.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

PIK3CA mutations are mutually exclusive with PTEN loss in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Nature

MYC alterations were mutually exclusive with PIK3CA, PTEN, APC, or BRAF alterations, suggesting that MYC is a distinct oncogenic driver.

Cell Systems

These declare whether the population of one role sequence must be included in, be equal to, or be mutually exclusive with the population of another.

Information Modeling and Relational Databases From Conceptual Analysis to Logical Design

PIK3CA mutations correlate with hormone receptors, node metastasis, and ERBB2, and are mutually exclusive with PTEN loss in human breast carcinoma.

Nature

Those terms have often been mutually exclusive with the petulant Moss, who in the past has been accused of giving less than his best when he was not the primary option.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase in technical contexts, ensure that the exclusivity is absolute. Avoid using it when the relationship is merely a strong negative correlation or inverse relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "is mutually exclusive with" when you actually mean a strong negative correlation. Mutually exclusive implies a strict impossibility of co-occurrence, not just an infrequent one. For example, saying "High stress is mutually exclusive with peak performance" might be an overstatement; instead, consider "High stress hinders peak performance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is mutually exclusive with" functions as a relational phrase, establishing a relationship of impossibility between two entities or events. Ludwig shows that it's employed to indicate that the co-occurrence of these entities is not possible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is mutually exclusive with" is used to express that two events or conditions cannot occur simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and is used most frequently in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship is a strict impossibility, not just a correlation, to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "cannot coexist with" or "is incompatible with" depending on the specific context for best clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot coexist with

Emphasizes the inability of two things to exist together, maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

is incompatible with

Highlights a lack of compatibility, suggesting a conflict or contradiction between the elements.

precludes

Indicates that one thing makes another impossible, offering a more concise and formal alternative.

rules out

Suggests that one thing eliminates the possibility of another, providing a direct and forceful alternative.

excludes

Indicates that one thing prevents the inclusion of another, highlighting a relationship of separation.

are mutually contradictory

Focuses on the logical conflict between two ideas or statements, emphasizing their opposition.

are in opposition

Implies a direct conflict or antagonism between two entities or concepts.

is inversely related to

Suggests an opposite relationship where one increases as the other decreases, applicable in quantitative contexts.

are disjoint

Highlights that two sets have no elements in common, offering a more technical or mathematical perspective.

is antithetical to

Emphasizes a fundamental opposition or contrast, suggesting a strong incompatibility.

FAQs

What does "is mutually exclusive with" mean?

The phrase "is mutually exclusive with" means that two or more events or conditions cannot happen or be true at the same time. If one occurs, the other cannot.

How do I use "is mutually exclusive with" in a sentence?

You can use "is mutually exclusive with" to indicate that the occurrence of one thing prevents the occurrence of another. For example: "In this experiment, condition A "is mutually exclusive with" condition B."

What are some alternatives to "is mutually exclusive with"?

Some alternatives include "cannot coexist with", "is incompatible with", or "precludes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say that two things "are mutually exclusive with" each other?

While less common, you might encounter sentences like "A and B "are mutually exclusive with" each other". It is more grammatical and typically preferred to say "A "is mutually exclusive with" B" or "A and B "are mutually exclusive"".