opposite one another

USAGE SUMMARY

"opposite one another" is correct and is an idiomatic phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to suggest two items, persons, or ideas that are facing each other or otherwise positioned to contrast one another. For example, "The two teams stood opposite one another on the field, ready to compete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Titled Measuring the Magic of Mutual Gaze, the experimental performance installation measures the brain activity of visitors who are either sitting across from Abramović when the artist is present (she is keeping limited gallery hours in this version) or opposite one another.

Vice

Its leaves were arranged in two forms: either in a spiral or opposite one another along an axis.

The Guardian

If the spins of neighboring electrons in a given material are opposite one another, these magnetic fields cancel each other out.

Princeton University

The structure of the β-sheet motif and the associated dihedral angles of the strands are indicated and labelled i, j and k for the three different strands (b), where residues i, j and k are opposite one another, as are residues i−1, j+1 and k−1.

Nature

The residue and dihedral indexing defines three antiparallel strands indicated in Fig. 1b and labelled i, j and k for the three different strands, where residues i, j and k are opposite one another, as are residues i−1, j+1 and k−1.

Nature

Diced ends are opposite one another and allow easy coupling to both inputs and outputs of the device.

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I find this odd, because for every DJ with one opinion there is another with an opposite one.

Vice

According to Newton's third law, the particles exert equal and opposite forces on one another, so any change in the momentum of one particle is exactly balanced by an equal and opposite change of the momentum of another particle.

Britannica

The foot and ground exert an equal and opposite force on one another, the "ground reaction force" (GRF) (Novacheck 1998), which is associated with the movement of the center of the mass of the individual (Galbrait and Barton 1970).

Animal Cognition

With Murdoch, the process was the opposite one.

The Guardian - Books

The most common term is "enclave"; a related, seemingly opposite one is "exclave".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opposite one another", ensure the context clearly establishes what two entities are being contrasted or positioned against each other for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "opposite one another" when the entities are not directly facing or contrasting each other. Overusing the phrase for entities that are merely different can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposite one another" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It describes the relative position or contrasting nature of two entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in spatial and conceptual contexts, which confirms that the phrase serves to establish a relationship of opposition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opposite one another" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe spatial arrangements and conceptual oppositions. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, scientific literature, and academic writing. While alternatives such as "facing each other" or "diametrically opposed" exist, selecting "opposite one another" ensures clarity when emphasizing direct contrast or physical positioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing each other

Indicates a direct spatial relationship where two entities are looking at each other.

across from each other

Emphasizes the spatial arrangement with entities positioned on opposing sides.

in opposing positions

Highlights the contrast in location or stance between two entities.

diametrically opposed

Stresses a complete opposition, often in ideas or viewpoints.

at opposite ends

Focuses on the extreme ends of a spectrum or range.

fronting each other

Highlights a face-to-face spatial relationship.

reverse positions

Suggests a mirrored or inverted arrangement.

contrasting sides

Emphasizes the difference or opposition between two aspects or entities.

in inverse relation

Implies a relationship where one increases as the other decreases.

on opposing sides

Highlights entities located on different sides or factions.

FAQs

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

Use "opposite one another" to describe two things, people, or ideas that are positioned facing each other or are completely different. For example, "The two buildings stood "opposite one another" across the street."

What phrases can I use instead of "opposite one another"?

Alternatives include "facing each other", "across from each other", or "diametrically opposed" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "opposite one another"?

Yes, "opposite one another" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase in English.

What is the difference between "opposite one another" and "opposed to each other"?

While both phrases indicate contrast, "opposite one another" often refers to a physical positioning, whereas "opposed to each other" typically refers to conflicting ideas or interests.