battled one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battled one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are in conflict or competition against each other. Example: "The two rival teams battled one another for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The Fire Department has always been proud of its roguish, outlaw spirit, an attitude that stretches back to its earliest days, when firehouses were not city-run outfits, but private gangs that often battled one another on the way to battling fires.

The New York Times

By the time the bikini-clad robots battled one another with flashing lights on cords, the crowd was gyrating on the banquettes of the $1,000-a-night tables and ricocheting around the $20,000 V.I.P. boxes like superheated, Champagne-fueled molecules.

The New York Times - Travel

It was just three months after blacks and Hasidim had battled one another in the streets.

The New York Times

Reduced to the status of hostile aliens, American Indians battled one another over whatever scraps were left.

The New York Times - Arts

The city is Seattle, where protesters battled police, and trade ministers battled one another under storm clouds last December.

The New York Times

Google, Yahoo and Microsoft have battled one another for years to secure large distribution partners for their search services.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

With Bioforce game controllers in hand, players not only command their virtual stand-ins to battle one another on the screen, but can also make their human opponents quake in their seats.

The New York Times - Tech

Ianson, who owns Heirloom Linens, says he was out for a walk with his family on the Ogden Point breakwater in Victoria, Canada, when he saw the two creatures battling one another on Monday.

Huffington Post

Those that survive the landing without being impaled on a fence will begin to battle one another to death.

Vice

But long after they'd stopped battling one another, the city's police kept whaling on them.

The New York Times - Books

Now, in a definitive shift, fighters from different clans are forming alliances and battling one another along religious lines, with deeply devout men on both sides charging into firefights with checkered head scarves, assault rifles and dusty Korans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "battled one another" to vividly depict situations where two or more entities are in direct conflict, whether physical or metaphorical. It's particularly effective in news reporting and historical narratives to convey the intensity of the struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "battled one another" in contexts where "competed" or "collaborated" would be more appropriate. This phrase implies a level of antagonism that might be inaccurate in less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battled one another" functions as a verb phrase indicating reciprocal action. It describes a situation where two or more parties are actively engaged in a struggle or conflict. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, showcasing its use in describing historical events, sports competitions, and political rivalries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "battled one another" effectively conveys a direct and intense conflict between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "fought each other" and "competed against each other" exist, "battled one another" emphasizes the vigorous and antagonistic nature of the engagement. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the implication of a significant struggle and avoid overuse in situations where the conflict is minimal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fought each other

Replaces "battled" with the more direct verb "fought", maintaining the core meaning of physical or intense conflict.

competed against each other

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of the interaction, suitable when the context involves striving for a goal.

clashed with each other

Highlights a brief but intense confrontation or disagreement.

struggled against each other

Focuses on the difficulty and effort involved in the conflict.

contended with one another

A more formal way of saying "competed", often used in literary or historical contexts.

opposed each other

Highlights the fact that the parts are in opposition.

were in conflict

Describes the existence of discord.

locked horns

An idiomatic way of expressing conflict.

crossed swords

An idiomatic way of expressing conflict.

sparred with each other

Describes conflict in a playful way.

FAQs

What does "battled one another" mean?

The phrase "battled one another" means that two or more people, groups, or entities were in conflict or competition, often involving significant effort and intensity.

What can I say instead of "battled one another"?

You can use alternatives like "fought each other", "competed against each other", or "clashed with each other" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "battled against each other"?

While understandable, "battled one another" is more common and idiomatic than "battled against each other". The phrase "one another" implies reciprocity in the conflict.

How is "battled one another" different from "competed with one another"?

"Battled one another" suggests a more intense and potentially hostile conflict, while "competed with one another" implies a more structured and potentially friendly rivalry. The first suggests a fight, the second a match.