preclude one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preclude one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things cannot occur or exist simultaneously, effectively preventing each other. Example: "The two policies may preclude one another, making it difficult to implement both at the same time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Judge Joseph C. Teresi ruled today on a motion by the prosecution to preclude one of the defense experts, James Fyfe, from testifying.

The New York Times

Such a commission would not constitute a criminal investigation, but it would not preclude one either.

The New York Times

Of course, doing good does not preclude one from living well.

The New York Times

And Gilad, being Jewish does not preclude one from being an anti-Semite.

University of California, Berkeley

Thompson is proof that playing a lot of video games doesn't preclude one from being a good football player.

The Washington Post

I am not sure why working in the private, higher and adult education sectors is presumed to preclude one from having these qualities.

The Guardian

"Serving in office does not preclude one's family members from working in business, and while there are some federal restrictions on what federal elected officials and their family may do, those restrictions are enforced by federal authorities," the office said in an email.

The Washington Post

Both sexes have breasts of varying shapes and sizes and hence it is irrational to preclude one sex from exposing breasts while allowing the other sex unmitigated topless expression.

Huffington Post

The limitations discussed above preclude one from drawing conclusions regarding associations between serum PBDEs and TSH.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The simplest explanation is that spatial separation is sufficient to preclude one kinase from phosphorylating the other.

eLife

Additionally, exclusion criteria for Gerofit participation include unstable angina, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, oxygen dependence, incontinence, open wounds, active substance abuse or homelessness, and behavioral issues that preclude one from participating in a group setting.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preclude one another" when emphasizing that two or more elements inherently prevent each other's existence or occurrence. For example, "These two hypotheses preclude one another, necessitating a choice between them."

Common error

Avoid using "preclude one another" when the elements do not inherently affect each other. If actions are independent, consider using phrases like "do not influence each other" or "are independent of each other".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preclude one another" functions as a verb phrase indicating that two or more things are mutually exclusive. This means the existence or occurrence of one prevents the existence or occurrence of the other. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preclude one another" is used to express that two or more things are mutually exclusive, with the existence or occurrence of one preventing the existence or occurrence of the others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is found across various contexts like news, science, and academia but is relatively rare. For alternatives, consider "mutually exclude each other" or "rule each other out".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preclude each other

Omits "one" for brevity, slightly less formal.

Mutually exclude each other

Emphasizes reciprocal exclusion more directly.

Rule each other out

A more informal way of expressing mutual exclusion.

Be incompatible

Focuses on the lack of harmony or consistency.

Conflict with each other

Highlights the potential for opposition or clash.

Render each other impossible

Emphasizes the absolute prevention of occurrence.

Negate each other

Stresses the cancellation or nullification effect.

Counteract each other

Highlights the opposing actions that diminish effectiveness.

Obviate each other

A more formal way to express rendering something unnecessary.

Preclude reciprocal action

More specific, indicating mutual action is prevented.

FAQs

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

Use "preclude one another" to indicate that two or more things cannot occur simultaneously, effectively preventing each other. For instance, "The two policies may preclude one another, making it difficult to implement both at the same time."

What are some alternatives to "preclude one another"?

Alternatives include "mutually exclude each other", "rule each other out", or "be incompatible", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "preclude each other" instead of "preclude one another"?

While "preclude each other" is grammatically acceptable and understandable, "preclude one another" emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the preclusion more explicitly. Both are valid, but the latter may be preferred for clarity in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "preclude one another" and "do not affect each other"?

"Preclude one another" implies a direct and preventative opposition. "Do not affect each other" simply suggests that the elements are independent and lack influence, without necessarily preventing anything.