battle each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battle each other" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to engage in a conflict or fight with one another. Example: The two rival gangs on the street were constantly battling each other for control of the territory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Islamic and secular law battle each other.

The Economist

"When they battle each other -- that's when the separation comes".

The New York Times

American drug consumers provide the market the cartels battle each other to serve, of course.

The New Yorker

That's where they used to hang out and smoke and do graffiti and battle each other.

The Guardian - Music

While two vast armies of CGI centaurs battle each other just out of the kitchen window?

The Guardian - Film

Today, famous broadcast journalists are far more likely to battle each other than Washington officials.

The New Yorker

It is rare to see two private equity firms battle each other over a target publicly.

The New York Times

Lawyers routinely battle each other, representing the conflicting interests of plaintiffs and defendants.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The two factions had been battling each other since then.

The New Yorker

Instead of battling beats and rhymes; they'll be battling each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

The world bridge championships began here today with American teams battling each other in two events.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "battle each other" to describe situations where there is direct conflict or competition between two or more entities. It is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "battle each other" when the action isn't reciprocal. For instance, if one entity is attacking while the other defends without retaliation, "battle each other" is inaccurate. Use a phrase that reflects the one-sided action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battle each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more parties. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe conflicts, competitions, and struggles between different entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "battle each other" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe reciprocal conflict or competition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in news, media, and general writing. While suitable for many contexts, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternatives like "clash with each other" or "compete against each other" to more precisely reflect the situation. Be mindful of ensuring the action is genuinely reciprocal when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clash with each other

Replaces "battle" with "clash", suggesting a less intense or more spontaneous confrontation.

combat each other

Uses "combat" instead of "battle", implying a more formal or organized conflict.

fight each other

Employs the more common word "fight" for "battle", making it more accessible.

compete against each other

Substitutes "battle" with "compete", emphasizing the competitive aspect rather than direct conflict.

struggle against each other

Replaces "battle" with "struggle", highlighting the difficulty and effort involved in the conflict.

oppose each other

Focuses on the act of opposing rather than actively fighting.

contend with each other

Uses "contend" to suggest a sustained effort to overcome opposition.

vie with each other

Implies a competitive striving for superiority or victory.

cross swords

Replaces "battle" with "cross swords", creating a more metaphorical and possibly literary image of conflict.

lock horns

Uses "lock horns" to depict a direct confrontation or argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "battle each other" to describe any situation where two or more entities are in conflict. For example, "The two companies are battling each other for market share."

What are some alternatives to "battle each other"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "clash with each other", "compete against each other", or "struggle against each other".

Is it appropriate to use "battle each other" in formal writing?

Yes, "battle each other" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing conflicts or competitions. However, consider more formal alternatives like "combat each other" for a more serious tone.

What's the difference between "battle each other" and "fight each other"?

While similar, "battle each other" often suggests a more prolonged or strategic conflict, whereas "fight each other" can imply a more immediate or physical confrontation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.