mutual dependence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual dependence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties rely on each other for support or resources. Example: "In a successful partnership, there is often a mutual dependence that fosters collaboration and growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There is mutual dependence".

The New York Times

This mutual dependence applies to businesses, too.

The Economist

That mutual dependence is clear from almost every page.

The Guardian

The infrastructure underpinned the two countries' mutual dependence.

The Economist

In extreme cases, there arose a complete mutual dependence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the sector is not large enough to avoid mutual dependence on each other's success.

The Guardian

But there has also been recognition by both sides of their mutual dependence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The relationship between cup holders and the fast-food industry is one of mutual dependence.

The New York Times - Travel

Their correspondence reveals not only mutual dependence but great tenderness, concern and love.

The New York Times - Books

She remains captivated by the possibilities, within live music, of legitimizing and actualizing mutual dependence.

The New Yorker

For better or for worse it brings them into mutual dependence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "mutual dependence" to emphasize a balanced and reciprocal reliance between parties. This highlights the benefits each receives from the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "mutual dependence" when describing a situation where one party relies more heavily on the other. Use terms like "dependence" or "reliance" to accurately reflect the unbalanced dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual dependence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Based on Ludwig, this phrase is employed to denote a state or condition where two or more entities rely on each other. This is reflected in the examples where it describes relationships between countries, businesses, or even species.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual dependence" is a noun phrase used to describe situations where two or more entities rely on each other. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and quite common. The primary function is to highlight the reciprocal nature of this reliance, often in contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "interdependence" and "reciprocal reliance". When writing, it's best to use this phrase to emphasize balanced relationships, avoiding its use when describing one-sided dependencies. While generally neutral, the phrase leans towards formality, often appearing in academic or professional discourse. The sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian, show the varied application of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Interdependence

Focuses on the interconnectedness and reliance between entities, omitting the explicit reciprocity of "mutual dependence".

Reciprocal reliance

Highlights the reciprocal aspect of reliance, emphasizing that each party depends on the other.

Joint dependence

Highlights the dependence being joint or shared between entities.

Bilateral dependence

Emphasizes the two-sided nature of the dependence, suggesting a one-to-one relationship.

Shared reliance

Emphasizes the shared aspect of reliance, suggesting a common need or vulnerability.

Symbiotic relationship

Specifically refers to a mutually beneficial relationship between different species or entities.

Collective dependence

Suggests a dependence within a group or community, emphasizing the shared nature of the reliance.

Interwoven reliance

Illustrates a strong connection between entities, where each party relies on the other in an intricate way.

Codependency

Implies a potentially unhealthy or overly emotional dependence, unlike the neutral connotation of "mutual dependence".

Interrelatedness

Highlights the connections and relationships between entities, without necessarily implying dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "mutual dependence" in a sentence?

You can use "mutual dependence" to describe relationships or systems where entities rely on each other. For example, "The success of the project relied on the "mutual dependence" between team members".

What's the difference between "mutual dependence" and interdependence?

"Mutual dependence" specifically highlights the reciprocal reliance between entities, while "interdependence" focuses on the interconnectedness and reliance within a system, not necessarily requiring a direct, reciprocal relationship.

Which is more appropriate, "mutual dependence" or "codependency"?

"Mutual dependence" is generally a neutral term describing a balanced reliance. "Codependency", on the other hand, often implies an unhealthy or emotionally driven dependence.

What are some contexts where "mutual dependence" is commonly used?

"Mutual dependence" is frequently used in discussions related to international relations, business partnerships, ecological systems, and interpersonal relationships to illustrate shared needs and reliance.