overlapping each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overlapping each other" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing two or more things that are partially or completely covering each other. For example, "The layers of the cake were overlapping each other, creating a beautiful design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once opened, windows automatically size to fit, rather than overlapping each other.

The Guardian - Tech

Arrange them on several serving plates in single layers but overlapping each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They tell a story, overlapping each other: "What was that word they wanted us to use? Leek?

The Guardian - Film

Instruction No. 3 is still more bewildering: "Place endive leaves overlapping each other to make fan at twelve o'clock on plate".

The New Yorker

For example, the 'Pauli exclusion principle' is what stops electrons from overlapping each other, and constrains them to occupy different energy-levels around the atomic nucleus.

The Guardian

The need for such alliances is the greater the faster a technology grows.Markets, similarly, are rapidly changing, merging, criss-crossing and overlapping each other.

The Economist

Against this backdrop of what Twain called "wonderful waterfalls of green leaves as deftly overlapping each other as the scales of a fish," I stayed the night perched over the river near the village of Boca de Sábalos, listening to rain pound the corrugated metal roof of my bamboo cabin, and woke with a scorpion in my bed.

The New York Times - Travel

Tunnels will stack, crisscrossing and overlapping each other for maximum efficiency across many stacked layers.

TechCrunch

The film formation undergoes nucleation, spherical nuclei growth in three dimensions and their overlapping each other to form a layer.

Electrochimica Acta

At slightly higher magnification, one TEM image shows two nanotriangles overlapping each other on the cytoplasmic membrane (Figure 4b).

International Nano Letters

Lenticular channels or canyons are overlapping each other, and are enclosed by the gravity flow deposits (Fig. 10a).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing layered structures or processes, ensure that using "overlapping each other" clearly conveys the intended spatial or temporal relationship. Visual aids can sometimes help clarify the concept if the description is complex.

Common error

Avoid using "overlapping each other" to describe abstract concepts that do not involve physical or sequential relationships. Use alternatives like "interrelated" or "interconnected" for ideas or responsibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overlapping each other" functions as a reciprocal construction, indicating a mutual action or relationship between two or more entities. It describes a spatial arrangement where objects partially cover one another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overlapping each other" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the mutual or reciprocal action of objects or concepts partially covering each other. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most prevalent in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for broad application. When using the phrase, be mindful to apply it to scenarios genuinely involving a shared space or sequential component. Replace it with "intersecting each other" or similar terms to provide a more tailored context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intersecting each other

Focuses on the point where two or more things meet or cross.

overlaying each other

Highlights the act of one thing being placed on top of another.

covering each other

Emphasizes the act of one thing shielding or concealing another.

straddling each other

Implies that one item is on either side of another.

interlocking each other

Highlights a close, fitted connection between components.

competing each other

Highlights that things share a limited space, domain, or opportunities and need to compete.

opposing each other

Indicates a direct conflict or contrast in position.

combining each other

Emphasizes elements united.

interacting each other

Emphasizes the action elements do together, instead of just being close or covering each other

offering each other

Highlights how elements share resources together

FAQs

How can I use "overlapping each other" in a sentence?

You can use "overlapping each other" to describe physical arrangements where items partially cover one another, such as "The tiles on the roof were carefully "overlapping each other" to prevent leaks", or abstract concepts such as "The responsibilities of the two departments were "overlapping each other", leading to some confusion".

What's a good alternative to "overlapping each other"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "intersecting each other", "overlaying each other", or "covering each other". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "overlapping each other"?

While "overlapping" inherently implies a relationship between multiple entities, explicitly stating "each other" emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity, especially in complex descriptions.

When is it incorrect to use "overlapping each other"?

Avoid using "overlapping each other" when describing completely separate or unrelated items. It is most appropriate when there is a tangible or conceptual connection allowing for partial coverage or shared space.