against each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"against each other" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two people or groups that are opposed to each other, such as in the example sentence, "The two teams faced off against each other in the final game of the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Against each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Pitting people against each other.

Independent

Us against each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Especially against each other.

The New York Times

We banged against each other a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're not competing against each other.

The New Yorker

"Two worlds stand against each other.

The New Yorker

They have never raced against each other.

The New York Times - Sports

"We played against each other in A.A.U.

The New York Times

People are set off against each other.

The Economist

"Rankings pit cities against each other.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against each other" to indicate opposition, competition, or interaction between two or more entities. Ensure clarity by specifying who or what is in opposition, for example, "The candidates debated against each other".

Common error

Ensure the context clearly defines who or what is acting "against each other". Without clear context, the phrase can become vague. For example, instead of saying "They are against each other", specify "The two companies are competing against each other in the market".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against each other" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating a relationship of opposition, competition, or interaction between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is both correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "against each other" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe opposition, competition, or interaction between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms its validity and frequent use in various contexts. It appears most often in News & Media sources, but also in Wiki and other general writing. While neutral in register, it's essential to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "in competition" or "at odds" to refine the meaning, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutually opposed

Stresses the reciprocal nature of the opposition, clarifying that both parties are against each other.

facing off

Highlights a direct confrontation or encounter, which may not be present in all instances of being "against each other".

in competition

Focuses specifically on competitive scenarios, omitting the broader sense of general opposition or interaction.

in opposition

Suggests a formal or declared resistance, whereas "against each other" can be more informal.

in rivalry

Specifically denotes a sustained competitive relationship, often implying a history of competition.

at odds

Implies a state of disagreement or conflict, which is more specific than simply being "against each other".

in conflict

Similar to "at odds", it directly suggests active conflict and disagreement.

contending

Emphasizes active struggle or competition, which is more forceful than a general opposition.

antagonistic

Describes a relationship characterized by active hostility or opposition, a stronger sentiment than simply being "against each other".

locked in a battle

Implies a prolonged and intense conflict, adding a sense of duration and intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "against each other" to describe situations where two or more entities are in opposition, competition, or conflict. For example, "The teams competed "against each other" for the championship".

What are some alternatives to using "against each other"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in competition", "at odds", or "in opposition" to express similar meanings.

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

Yes, "against one another" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "against each other". Both phrases mean essentially the same thing, although "each other" is typically used when referring to two entities, while "one another" can refer to more than two.

What's the difference between "against each other" and "for each other"?

"Against each other" implies opposition or competition, whereas "for each other" suggests support, cooperation, or mutual benefit. They represent opposite relationships.