pass each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass each other" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various situations to describe the act of two or more people or things moving past each other in opposite directions. Example: As they walked along the crowded street, the two friends suddenly spotted each other and quickly dodged through the crowd to pass each other with a quick hug and a hello. Example: The trains on the parallel tracks would often pass each other on their daily commute. Example: The two runners were neck and neck throughout the race, constantly passing each other before one finally crossed the finish line.

✓ Grammatically correct

General conversation

Describing movement

Narrative writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When do the trains pass each other?

The New York Times - Science

Later, they'll pass each other in silence, eyes averted.

The New York Times - Magazine

The two men didn't even pass each other in the hallway.

The New Yorker

As we pass each other, he says: "Well, sure, it's all downhill that way".

The Guardian - Film

Make those sidewalk scaffolds wide enough to allow two people to pass each other.

The New York Times

All these movies pass each other in orbit, sometimes decades apart.

The New Yorker

You can always tell when people are not talking by the way they pass each other.

The New Yorker

It is just wide enough for two cars to pass each other - just.

The Guardian - Travel

Saints and sinners pass each other as though in different worlds.

The Guardian - Books

The two used to pass each other notes, Ms. Maher said.

The New York Times

As they pass each other, Mr. Schwarzenegger salutes his would-be replacement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events in a narrative, use "pass each other" to clearly depict the movement of entities in opposite directions, creating a sense of space and interaction. This is particularly useful in setting scenes or establishing relationships between characters or objects.

Common error

Avoid using "pass each other" when the interaction is not reciprocal. For example, if one car overtakes another without the second car also moving, use "overtake" or "pass" instead of "pass each other".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more entities. It describes the act of moving by one another, typically in opposite directions. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

16%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass each other" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the act of two entities moving in opposite directions and going by one another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, general writing, and descriptive narratives. While suitable for neutral and informal settings, it's essential to ensure the reciprocity of the action to avoid misuse. Related phrases like "cross paths" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Overall, "pass each other" is a reliable and clear way to depict movement and spatial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move past each other

Emphasizes the continuous motion and the act of surpassing or leaving behind.

go by one another

Focuses on the act of moving past, highlighting the separation after the encounter.

cross paths

Emphasizes a brief or chance encounter, often implying a meeting in life or destiny more than just physical movement.

drift past each other

Suggests a slow, almost unintentional passing, often used in metaphorical or abstract contexts.

bypass each other

Implies avoidance or intentional movement around something or someone.

encounter one another

Highlights the experience of meeting, often unexpectedly or casually.

intersect

Implies a more geometric or planned meeting, often used in the context of roads or lines.

overtake

Implies one entity surpassing another, often with a sense of competition or progress.

meet halfway

Suggests compromise and collaboration, where entities converge from different starting points.

converge

Describes a coming together from different directions, often with a planned or purposeful meeting.

FAQs

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

You can use "pass each other" to describe two entities moving in opposite directions. For example, "The trains "passed each other" on the tracks" or "The hikers "passed each other" on the trail".

What's the difference between "pass each other" and "cross paths"?

"Pass each other" primarily refers to the physical act of moving in opposite directions, while "cross paths" often implies a brief encounter or meeting, which can be more abstract and less about physical movement.

Which is correct, "pass each other" or ""passed each other""?

Both are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Pass each other" is the present tense, while ""passed each other"" is the past tense.

What can I say instead of "pass each other" when describing a more significant encounter?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "meet", "encounter", or "intersect" to describe a meeting or interaction that has more impact or significance.