touch one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical contact, emotional connections, or interactions between people. Example: "During the ceremony, the participants were encouraged to touch one another to symbolize unity and connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Do not let the yolks touch one another.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we're not allowed to touch one another, and we're not allowed to dance".

The Guardian

Participants touch one another and get sullied and stained and implicated.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pop culture too often settles for stereotypes: men talk about sports, boast about sex, and don't touch one another.

The Guardian - Books

Although there were times when people tried to touch one another, they always grew suspicious of intimacy.

The New York Times - Arts

A minute later, add dumplings, one at a time; they can touch one another, but should still sit flat in one layer.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Being an L myself, a member of a group that has had a spotty presence on the small screen, I can testify with authority to the despair of bouncing along a life of risk, mystery and heartbreak only to turn on the TV and see two women in bad pantsuits gingerly touching one another on the forearm.

The New York Times - Arts

In another minimalist work — "Untitled" (Perfect Lovers) — identical clocks are displayed barely touching one another on a light-blue wall.

The New Yorker

To make them, divide one quantity of milk loaf dough into mini 50g or large 100g pieces, shape these into balls and sit them touching one another on trays lined with nonstick paper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place the dumplings on a baking sheet, not quite touching one another, then brush each one with more of the egg.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To see them all there, row upon row, photos of their faces almost touching one another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch one another" to emphasize mutual or reciprocal physical contact. This phrasing implies an interaction rather than a one-way action.

Common error

Avoid using "touch one another" when describing a one-sided action. The phrase inherently implies a mutual exchange. For a one-way action, use "touch someone/something".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The phrase implies a mutual or shared physical contact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touch one another" signifies mutual physical contact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it denotes shared physical interaction. While often interchangeable with "touch each other", this phrase is apt for scenarios involving more than two entities. To ensure clarity, use alternatives like "make contact with each other" when emphasizing initiation, and avoid its use for one-sided actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a reciprocal touch

Highlights the mutual nature of the physical contact.

make contact with each other

Emphasizes the act of initiating contact, broader than physical touch.

have physical contact

Focuses specifically on physical interaction.

engage in physical interaction

Highlights a more active and deliberate engagement.

interact physically

Similar to engaging in physical interaction, but less forceful.

connect physically

Emphasizes the connection established through physical means.

physically relate to each other

Emphasizes the relational aspect of physical interaction.

be in physical proximity

Focuses on closeness in space, not necessarily implying touch.

share a physical connection

Underscores the shared experience of physical contact.

be in each other's presence

Focuses on simply being near each other, without implying any contact.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch one another" to describe mutual physical contact, such as "The dancers "touch one another" during the performance."

What's a good alternative to "touch one another"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "make contact with each other" or "engage in physical interaction".

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

"Touch each other" and ""touch one another"" are often used interchangeably. While "each other" is generally used for two entities and "one another" for more than two, the distinction is often blurred in modern usage.

When is it inappropriate to use "touch one another"?

Avoid using ""touch one another"" when describing a non-physical interaction or when the action is not reciprocal. For instance, "He touched the painting" is correct; "He touched one another the painting" is not.