passed each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"passed each other" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to two people or objects moving in opposite directions. Example: The two cyclists passed each other on the street.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We passed each other but didn't say anything.

The Guardian - Sport

They passed each other and Stanton went on his way.

The New Yorker

We just kept walking until we had passed each other.

The New Yorker

But they had passed each other in the mist.

The New York Times

Somewhere in the darkness, they passed each other.

The Guardian

"We didn't speak," says Qayim, "just nodded as we passed each other.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We passed each other in the hall, and it was like 'Oh, hi,' " Mr. Tracy recalled.

The New York Times - Style

For years, they passed each other silently in the corridors at CBS.

The New Yorker

He never barked, just wagged his tail furiously when we passed each other.

The New York Times

They had probably passed each other on the street or at the subway".

The New York Times

When we passed each other in the lane, I didn't speak to him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is doing the passing. For example, "The cyclists passed each other on the trail" is more precise than "They passed each other."

Common error

Avoid using "pass each other" without the "-ed" ending when referring to a past event. The correct past tense form is "passed each other", not "pass each other".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed each other" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the action of two or more entities moving in opposite directions or one entity overtaking another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passed each other" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It effectively describes the action of two entities moving by one another, often in opposite directions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. Remember to use the correct past tense form ("passed") and avoid misinterpreting its meaning in relation to similar phrases like "missed each other". By understanding its usage and avoiding common errors, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crossed paths

Replaces the verb "passed" with "crossed", maintaining a similar meaning of briefly meeting or intersecting.

went by one another

Offers a more literal description of the physical movement of two entities.

met briefly

Focuses on the brief nature of the encounter, highlighting the meeting aspect rather than the act of passing.

encountered each other

Emphasizes the chance nature of the meeting, suggesting a less planned or expected interaction.

brushed past each other

Implies a very close and perhaps accidental passing, with minimal space between the entities.

navigated past each other

Implies a deliberate action of moving around each other, suitable for situations involving obstacles or complex environments.

circumnavigated each other

Suggests a more extensive movement around each other, possibly with a wider berth or more space involved.

overtook each other

Describes a situation where one entity moves faster than the other and goes beyond their position.

missed each other

Implies a failure to connect or acknowledge each other during the passing, suggesting a lack of interaction.

diverged from each other

Highlights the act of moving apart or separating after a brief proximity or shared path.

FAQs

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

You can use "passed each other" to describe two entities moving in opposite directions or overtaking one another. For example, "The runners "passed each other" on the track" or "The cars "passed each other" on the highway".

What's a more formal way to say "passed each other"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "crossed paths" or "encountered each other", although ""passed each other"" remains appropriate in many formal situations.

Is it correct to say "pass each other" instead of "passed each other"?

No, "pass each other" is the present tense form, while "passed each other" is the past tense. Use "passed" when describing an event that has already occurred. If you want to say the action is in progress, use "passing each other".

What's the difference between "passed each other" and "missed each other"?

"Passed each other" implies that two entities moved by one another. "Missed each other" suggests that two entities failed to meet or connect, even though they were in close proximity.