at one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two or more people or groups are interacting or engaging with each other, often in a confrontational or competitive manner. Example: "The two teams were arguing at one another during the heated match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Americans don't really look at one another when talking.

Huffington Post

Americans are disgusted with watching politicians screaming and yelling at one another on television.

Princeton University

Strangers ate and drank and smiled shyly at one another.

The New York Times

Elsewhere on the Internet, people are shouting at one another.

Huffington Post

We waited, looking at one another.

The Guardian - Books

The Singers looked at one another.

The New York Times

We smiled knowingly at one another.

The New York Times - Travel

"The other girls looked at one another.

The New York Times - Sports

We didn't throw shoes at one another.

The New Yorker

Then spent, they smiled at one another.

The Guardian

Ken and I glance at one another.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “at one another” to describe situations involving direct action or strong emotion between parties, enhancing the vividness and impact of your writing.

Common error

While "at one another" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make your text seem less professional. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "with each other" or "between themselves" in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “at one another” primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the direction or target of an action between multiple subjects. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing interactions, often of a confrontational or competitive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “at one another” is a prepositional phrase primarily used to describe interactions, frequently highlighting conflict, competition, or intense emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it is advisable to use more neutral alternatives like "with each other" or "between themselves" in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone. Its communicative strength lies in its ability to vividly portray dynamic and often adversarial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with each other

This alternative provides a more neutral and general way to express interaction or relation.

between themselves

Implies interaction within a specific group.

among themselves

Suggests interaction within a larger, less defined group.

in relation to each other

Highlights the relational aspect of the interaction.

towards each other

Emphasizes the direction of the action or feeling.

reciprocally

Focuses on the mutual or alternating nature of the action.

mutually

Highlights the shared or common aspect of the action or feeling.

in concert

Implies coordinated or harmonious action.

in opposition

Suggests conflicting or antagonistic interaction.

vis-à-vis

A formal term indicating a relationship or comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "at one another" to show interaction, often conflict or competition. For instance, "The debaters were shouting "at one another" during the debate" indicates a confrontational exchange.

What's the difference between "at one another" and "with each other"?

"At one another" usually suggests conflict or intense interaction, while "with each other" is more neutral. "They argued "at one another"" implies a heated argument, versus "They collaborated "with each other"" which suggests cooperation.

Are there formal alternatives to "at one another"?

In formal contexts, consider using "between themselves" or "in relation to each other". These phrases maintain a professional tone while conveying the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "at one another"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize a direct, and often contentious, interaction between two or more parties. It's less suitable for describing harmonious or cooperative actions.