toward each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"toward each other" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a particular direction or movement of two or more people or things towards each other. For example: "The two travelers slowly walked toward each other in the vast desert, a look of uncertainty on their faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would lean toward each other.

University of Pennsylvania

They start driving toward each other at the same time.

The New York Times - Health

We'd been tunnelling toward each other for years.

The New Yorker

It says they no longer harbor animosity toward each other".

The New York Times

Mosley and Forrest were civilized toward each other.

The New York Times - Sports

For ten episodes, Mickey and Gus flail toward each other.

The New Yorker

The orange seats began to march toward each other.

The New Yorker

They hit the ground running, toward each other.

The New Yorker

The two armies rushed toward each other, screaming.

The New Yorker

Now the two groups appear to moving toward each other.

The New York Times

The candidates have been collegial, even complimentary, toward each other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toward each other" to clearly indicate movement, interaction, or a shift in attitude between two or more distinct entities. This phrase emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action or feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "toward each other" when the action or feeling is not mutual or reciprocal. For example, it's incorrect to say "He felt anger toward each other" if the anger is only one-sided. In such cases, use "toward him" or "toward them" to reflect the actual direction of the feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toward each other" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating direction or orientation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression denotes movement, feeling, or action directed reciprocally between two or more entities. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in physical movement, emotional relationships, and policy changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "toward each other" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a reciprocal direction, action, or feeling between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the reciprocity of the action or feeling when using this phrase. Alternatives like "to one another" or "mutually" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The high frequency of the phrase and its presence in authoritative sources underscore its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

towards one another

It's a variation of "toward each other", slightly more formal, with a similar meaning

approaching one another

Highlights the act of nearing each other over a distance.

in each other's direction

Emphasizes the directionality of the movement, but uses a slightly more descriptive and less direct phrasing.

to one another

A more formal or literary way of saying "toward each other", focusing on the relationship between multiple entities.

mutually

Focuses on the reciprocal nature of the action or feeling, rather than the directional movement.

coming together

Focuses on the act of unification or meeting at a single point or for a common purpose.

reciprocally

Highlights the give-and-take aspect, emphasizing that each side is doing something for the other.

drawing closer

Emphasizes the reduction of distance and increasing intimacy or connection.

with each other

Focuses on the interaction or relationship, rather than the directional movement. It is appropriate only when you want to express an interaction.

in convergence

Implies a coming together from different points or paths, often used in a more abstract or technical sense.

FAQs

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

Use "toward each other" to describe a reciprocal action or feeling between two or more entities. For example, "The dancers moved "toward each other" in a graceful waltz" or "Despite their differences, they showed respect "toward each other"".

What are some alternatives to saying "toward each other"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to one another", "mutually", or "reciprocally". These alternatives offer slightly different nuances while still conveying the idea of a mutual relationship or action.

Is it correct to use "towards each other" instead of "toward each other"?

Both "toward" and "towards" are acceptable, but "toward" is more common in American English, while "towards" is more prevalent in British English. Both phrases mean the same thing, so the choice depends on your preferred style and audience.

What is the difference between "with each other" and "toward each other"?

"With each other" implies an interaction or relationship, whereas "toward each other" suggests movement or direction. For example, "They collaborated "with each other"" focuses on the joint effort, while "They walked "toward each other"" emphasizes the direction of their movement.