passing each other

USAGE SUMMARY

'passing each other' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two people, animals, or objects that are moving in opposite directions, and in the process, nearing each other before going their separate ways. For example, "The two hikers passed each other on the path, giving each other a friendly smile as they parted ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But they have taken flight and migrated across the aisle, passing each other in midair.

The New Yorker

In the coastal channels, oil barges and oyster boats are constantly passing each other.

The New York Times

In the village they play near strangers, passing each other with scarcely a look.

The New York Times

Undeterred, the budding friends "started passing each other notes through emissaries," Ms. Gelman recalled.

The New York Times

A simple analogy is two mail trains passing each other, with workers throwing mailbags between the trains.

Britannica

You make friends out here, see them swallowing fuel at the stops, waving, passing each other on the straights.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

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Vice

When do the trains pass each other?

The New York Times - Science

We passed each other but didn't say anything.

The Guardian - Sport

Or pass each other's time on delayed trains … Onwards.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, ensure that the context clearly indicates the entities involved and their respective directions relative to each other when using "passing each other".

Common error

Avoid using "passing each other" when the entities are moving in the same direction or are stationary. The phrase implies movement in opposing or differing directions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing each other" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action involving reciprocal movement. It is often used to illustrate the relative motion of two or more entities in relation to one another. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passing each other" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that accurately describes two or more entities moving in different directions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's acceptable for both formal and informal use. Its high frequency across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academic writing, indicates its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly indicate the direction of movement and relative positions of the involved entities. While alternatives such as "crossing paths" or "meeting briefly" exist, "passing each other" remains a clear and effective way to convey this specific type of interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving past each other

This alternative stresses the continuous movement and the act of one entity overtaking the other.

crossing paths

This alternative emphasizes the intersection of trajectories, often implying a brief encounter.

bypassing one another

This phrase implies avoiding direct interaction while still moving in proximity.

meeting briefly

This alternative highlights the brevity and lack of sustained interaction during the encounter.

encountering one another

This phrase focuses on the act of meeting, suggesting a chance or unplanned interaction.

overtaking each other

This alternative emphasizes one entity surpassing the other in speed or position.

going in opposite directions

This alternative highlights the diverging trajectories of the entities involved.

intersecting momentarily

This alternative emphasizes the brief duration of the crossing.

converging and diverging

This captures both approach and separation.

inverting positions

This alternative highlights the switch of relative positions.

FAQs

How to use "passing each other" in a sentence?

You can use "passing each other" to describe two or more entities moving in opposite directions and nearing each other before continuing on their separate ways. For example, "The cars were "passing each other" on the highway".

What can I say instead of "passing each other"?

You can use alternatives like "crossing paths", "meeting briefly", or "moving past each other" depending on the context.

Is "passing each other" grammatically correct?

Yes, "passing each other" is grammatically correct. It's a gerund phrase that functions as a noun or part of a verb phrase, accurately describing two entities moving in opposite directions.

What does "passing each other" imply about the interaction between the entities?

"Passing each other" generally implies a brief or momentary encounter, with no sustained interaction or change in trajectory for either entity. They simply move in proximity and then continue separately.