are mutually hostile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are mutually hostile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two parties have a strong animosity or opposition towards each other. Example: "The two rival factions are mutually hostile, making any chance of negotiation nearly impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The two markets are mutually hostile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It appears I was an evangelist for gharbzadegi (westoxification), but it never occurred to me that east and west were mutually hostile.

The Guardian

Two societies were in constant contact, two societies that were mutually hostile, if only because of their diametrically opposed ways of life, and yet these societies were interdependent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cupul and Chinkinchel are known to have been mutually hostile, and to have engaged in wars to control the salt beds of the north coast.

Wikipedia

They were mutually hostile; the Xiu Maya of Mani allied themselves with the Spanish, while the Cocom Maya of Sotuta became the implacable enemies of the European colonisers.

Wikipedia

They are mutually affirming, even mutually necessary.

The New Yorker

All are mutually compatible.

The New York Times

These are mutually accessible.

Independent

"They are mutually compatible".

The New York Times

Actually, they are mutually dependent".

The Guardian

These capabilities are mutually supportive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are mutually hostile", ensure that the context clearly establishes the two distinct entities or groups involved. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are mutually hostile" when the relationship is merely strained or distant. The phrase implies a strong, active antagonism, so reserve it for situations where genuine animosity is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are mutually hostile" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the relationship between two or more subjects. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing relationships between political factions, societies, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are mutually hostile" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of active antagonism between two or more entities. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, reveals its prevalence in news, encyclopedic texts, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for conveying strong opposition, but it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for situations where genuine animosity exists. Alternatives such as "are antagonistic to each other" or "are in opposition" can provide subtle variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are antagonistic to each other

Replaces "hostile" with "antagonistic", emphasizing active opposition.

are in opposition

Focuses on the state of being against each other, simplifying the original phrase.

are diametrically opposed

Highlights the extreme contrast between the parties involved.

are incompatible

Indicates an inability to coexist or work together harmoniously.

are at odds

Suggests a state of disagreement and conflict.

are clashing

Emphasizes direct confrontation and conflict.

are bitterly opposed

Adds an element of strong emotion to the opposition.

are deeply divided

Highlights the separation and lack of unity between the parties.

are in conflict

Focuses on the state of active struggle and dispute.

are irreconcilable

Suggests that the differences are too great to be resolved.

FAQs

How can I use "are mutually hostile" in a sentence?

You can use "are mutually hostile" to describe entities that have strong animosity towards each other. For example, "The two political parties "are mutually hostile", making compromise difficult."

What does it mean when two groups "are mutually hostile"?

When two groups "are mutually hostile", it means they have a strong, reciprocal animosity or antagonism towards each other. This often results in conflict or an inability to cooperate.

What are some alternatives to saying "are mutually hostile"?

Alternatives include "are antagonistic to each other", "are in opposition", or "are diametrically opposed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are mutually hostile" a formal or informal phrase?

"Are mutually hostile" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to appear more frequently in news, encyclopedic, and academic writing. Its impact depends on the severity of the conflict being described.