offset one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offset one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more elements counterbalance or neutralize each other. Example: "The gains in one sector offset one another, resulting in no overall change in the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In concluding that "coupled with new fuel economy standards, such a tax could take this country a long way toward reducing carbon emissions," the editorial is recommending two policies that offset one another in their effects on total emissions.

The New York Times

In equilibrium, the opposing effects of the pay-performance sensitivity and the after-tax performance measure on the manager's effort level exactly offset one another.

Business Research

Rather, they figured the mistakes of investors often offset one another.

The New York Times

Within that huge market, many contracts offset one another — assuming that all parties honor their commitments.

The New York Times

A tiny appetizer ($8) of black mission figs, prosciutto, reggiano and aged sherry vinaigrette married well even as its parts offset one another.

The New York Times

The colors of the fish, the cilantro and the peas offset one another beautifully, and the dish had more flavor than when made with beef.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It can also be argued that Westwood and Kaymer adequately offset one rookie pick.

The Guardian - Sport

A senior Spanish official recently argued that immigration was increasing unemployment in Spain, though he admitted that the country needed foreigners to offset one of the world's lowest birth rates.

The New York Times

When using the ML technique to track frequency offset, one needs to have the channel knowledge.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The researcher John Gottman has found that among married couples, it takes at least five positive comments to offset one negative one.

Huffington Post

Skiers swoosh past eight enormous solar panels that produce enough electricity to offset one-third of the power that the center uses.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offset one another", ensure that the subjects involved are clearly defined and that the context demonstrates a reciprocal relationship where each subject influences the other in a neutralizing way.

Common error

Avoid using "offset one another" when the relationship is not mutual or when one element simply reduces the effect of another without a counterbalancing action. In such cases, use verbs like "reduce", "diminish", or "lessen" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offset one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing counteracting forces or effects, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "offset one another" is a grammatically sound and frequently used reciprocal verb phrase that describes how two or more elements counteract or balance each other. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal communications. While alternatives like "counterbalance each other" or "neutralize each other" exist, understanding the reciprocal nature of the action is key to its proper usage. Avoid using it when the interaction is not mutual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counterbalance each other

Implies a more equal distribution of force or weight, creating equilibrium.

neutralize each other

Suggests a complete cancellation of effects, bringing something to a standstill.

cancel each other out

Emphasizes the elimination of opposing forces or effects.

negate each other

Formally indicates that entities invalidate or nullify each other's effects.

counteract one another

Highlights an action taken to reduce or prevent the negative effect of something.

compensate for each other

Indicates that one thing makes up for the shortcomings of another, creating balance.

mitigate each other

Implies a reduction in the severity or impact of opposing factors.

balance each other out

Suggests a dynamic equilibrium where opposing forces maintain stability.

nullify one another

Formally describes making something legally void or ineffective.

equilibrate one another

Highlights the process of reaching a state of balance or equilibrium between opposing forces.

FAQs

How can I use "offset one another" in a sentence?

Use "offset one another" to describe situations where two or more things balance or negate each other's effects. For example, "The benefits and risks of the project largely "cancel each other out"".

What are some alternatives to saying "offset one another"?

You can use phrases like "counterbalance each other", "neutralize each other", or ""cancel each other out"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "offset each other" instead of "offset one another"?

While "offset each other" is sometimes used, "offset one another" is generally considered more grammatically correct when referring to more than two entities. However, in informal contexts, "offset each other" might be acceptable.

What is the difference between "offset one another" and "mitigate each other"?

"Offset one another" suggests a complete or near-complete cancellation of effects, whereas "mitigate each other" implies a reduction in the severity or impact, but not necessarily a full neutralization. Mitigating suggests lessening, not necessarily balancing out completely.