Meaning & use
not mutually exclusive
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Able to be true or to happen at the same time, so choosing one does not rule out the other.
Grammar: Used after be: the two goals are not mutually exclusive. It describes two or more things together.
Patterns
- A and B are not mutually exclusive
- not mutually exclusive with something
Being a good parent and having a demanding career are not mutually exclusive.
The report argues that growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive.
For many students, studying abroad and saving money are not mutually exclusive if they choose the right program.
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that two descriptions, explanations, or feelings can both apply to the same person or thing.
Grammar: Often follows words like ideas, explanations, or feelings: the two explanations are not mutually exclusive.
Patterns
- two explanations are not mutually exclusive
- not mutually exclusive explanations
Love and anger are not mutually exclusive; she felt both at once.
The two theories are not mutually exclusive, so researchers often use them together.
His kindness and his strictness were not mutually exclusive qualities.
Common combinations
- not mutually exclusive with
- Flexible working is not mutually exclusive with high productivity.
- the two are not mutually exclusive
- Some people think you must pick one, but the two are not mutually exclusive.
- are not mutually exclusive options
- Staying home and traveling later are not mutually exclusive options.
- not mutually exclusive goals
- Cutting costs and improving quality are not mutually exclusive goals.
- not mutually exclusive ideas
- In philosophy class we learned that these are not mutually exclusive ideas.
Synonyms and how they differ
- compatible
- Compatible means two things can exist or work together without conflict, which is close but broader; it does not carry the same focus on choosing between alternatives.
- coexist
- Coexist is a verb meaning to exist at the same time, often about groups or systems; the phrase not mutually exclusive usually comments on ideas or choices.
Opposites
Word family
- mutually exclusive phrase
- The opposite phrase: unable to be true or chosen at the same time.
- mutual adjective
- Shared by two or more people or sides, as in mutual respect.
- exclusive adjective
- Limited to one person or group, or not shared with others.
Commonly confused: not mutually exclusive or mutually inclusive?
not mutually exclusive vs mutually inclusive
This is not a standard phrase. Learners sometimes mix it up, but the usual opposite of mutually exclusive is simply mutually exclusive with not, or incompatible.
Practice
Which sentence uses "not mutually exclusive" correctly?
Choose one answer.
"Not mutually exclusive" means both can be true or chosen, so "we can try both" fits. Option 1 contradicts the meaning, and options 2 and 3 use prepositions that do not go with this fixed phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “not mutually exclusive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.