symmetry between

USAGE SUMMARY

"symmetry between" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a state of balance or similarity between two or more elements. Example: There is a beautiful symmetry between the two sides of the painting, with each color and shape perfectly mirrored on the other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In physics terminology, the symmetry between them had broken.

The Guardian

There is a disconcerting symmetry between Prozac and Ritalin.

The Guardian - Books

There is a rather pleasing symmetry between the two series.

The Economist

To this day this symmetry between quarks and leptons remains, with the tau the heaviest lepton.

The Guardian

There is a symmetry between her plots and her own self-made life.

The New York Times

Now, there seemed to me a strange symmetry between these two worlds.

The New York Times - Style

In particular, to developing a fearful symmetry between American neoconservative thought and Islamic fundamentalism.

The Guardian

But there is a beauty in the symmetry between Harbison's subject matter and his style.

The New Yorker

For example, any violation of the expected symmetry between hydrogen and antihydrogen would rock physics to its core.

The New York Times

There is a symmetry between Llewellyn's belated revelation and the posthumous reveal of the final chapter of Lindsay's book.

The Guardian

In 1956 Wu led a hugely difficult experiment that ultimately revealed this symmetry between mirroring particles didn't always hold true.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "symmetry between", ensure that the elements being compared genuinely exhibit a balanced or mirrored relationship. Avoid using it loosely for any general similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "symmetry between" when you simply mean that two things are similar. Symmetry implies a specific, balanced relationship, not just any resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symmetry between" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to indicate a balanced, mirrored, or corresponding relationship between two or more entities. As noted by Ludwig, it describes a state of balance or similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "symmetry between" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a balanced or mirrored relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements being compared genuinely exhibit a balanced relationship, differentiating it from simple similarity. Alternatives include "correspondence between", "balance between", and "similarity between". The phrase's prevalence and contextual relevance solidify its position as a valuable linguistic tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correspondence between

Highlights a similarity or analogy, perhaps less rigorous than "symmetry".

similarity between

A more general term for likeness, without necessarily implying a perfect mirroring.

balance between

Specifically refers to equilibrium or even distribution, less about visual or conceptual similarity.

parity between

Indicates equality or evenness, particularly in status or amount.

proportionality between

Focuses on a direct mathematical relationship rather than a more general correspondence.

equivalence between

Suggests that two things are essentially the same in value or meaning.

harmonization between

Highlights a pleasing or agreeable alignment, often in aesthetic or musical contexts.

equilibrium between

Specifically implies a state of balanced forces or influences.

correlation between

Implies a statistical relationship, not necessarily a balanced or mirrored one.

reciprocity between

Implies a mutual exchange or action between two parties.

FAQs

How is "symmetry between" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "symmetry between" often refers to balanced properties or relationships, such as the "symmetry between matter and antimatter" or in molecular structures.

What are some alternatives to using "symmetry between"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "correspondence between", "balance between", or "similarity between".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a symmetry between"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used when referring to a specific instance or example of symmetry between two things.

How does "symmetry between" differ from "correlation between"?

"Symmetry between" implies a balanced or mirrored relationship, while "correlation between" indicates a statistical relationship or association that is not necessarily balanced.