be afraid of each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be afraid of each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing fear or apprehension between individuals or groups. Example: "In a competitive environment, team members may be afraid of each other, leading to a lack of collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But since this war, he said, "we've come to be afraid of each other".

The New York Times

For there to be a war between us, first we must be afraid of each other, we must hate.

The New Yorker

"It's about being human and fighting for the right of the next generation not to be afraid of each other," one of the filmmakers said.

The New York Times

"It's about being human and fighting for the right of the next generation not to be afraid of each other," Mr. Heymann said.

The New York Times - Arts

– Write a speech commemorating Israel's 60th anniversary in response to filmmaker Barak Heymann's words, "It's about being human and fighting for the right of the next generation not to be afraid of each other".

The New York Times

But we must not be afraid of each other.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Both sides are afraid of each other.

The Guardian

Then, for several years, we are afraid of each other.

The Guardian - Books

"They're afraid of each other and they're afraid of the unknown.

The New York Times

So my question for us is: Are we doing this because we love each other or because we're afraid of each other?

The New York Times - Style

"My purpose for going there," Hamid said, "is I have a sincere belief that if people get to know each other one on one then they'll stop being afraid of each other and we will be able to get rid of all of this hate in the world, literally".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “be afraid of each other” to describe situations where mistrust and suspicion are the dominant emotions between individuals or groups.

Common error

Avoid using "be afraid of each other" when describing simple disagreements or differences of opinion. This phrase implies a deeper level of fear and mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be afraid of each other" functions as a predicate expressing a state of mutual fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe relationships characterized by mistrust.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be afraid of each other" is grammatically sound and frequently used to depict situations marked by mutual fear or mistrust. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile, fitting into neutral registers and commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase effectively conveys a sense of unease and potential threat, it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for scenarios where the fear is substantial, and avoiding its application to trivial disagreements. Related phrases such as "mistrust one another" or "feel threatened by each other" can offer nuanced alternatives. Understanding the appropriate context ensures the phrase is used with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistrust one another

Focuses on the lack of trust as the primary driver of fear.

feel threatened by each other

Highlights the sense of danger or vulnerability between parties.

live in mutual apprehension

Emphasizes a shared state of anxiety or unease.

harbor suspicions about each other

Implies a cautious or guarded relationship due to doubt.

view each other with unease

Underscores a lack of comfort or security in the relationship.

lack confidence in one another

Focuses on a deficiency in trust or reliability.

regard each other with hostility

Suggests an active antagonism or animosity.

maintain a guarded distance

Highlights the physical or emotional separation resulting from fear.

operate with a sense of rivalry

Emphasizes competition as the reason for the fear.

demonstrate animosity towards each other

Focuses on displaying antagonism between entities.

FAQs

How can I use "be afraid of each other" in a sentence?

You can use "be afraid of each other" to describe situations where mutual fear or mistrust exists, such as "After the conflict, the communities began to "be afraid of each other"".

What does it mean when people "be afraid of each other"?

When people "be afraid of each other", it means there is a lack of trust and a sense of potential threat between them, often stemming from conflict, misunderstanding, or societal divisions.

Which is a more formal alternative to "be afraid of each other"?

A more formal alternative could be "harbor mutual apprehension" or "experience reciprocal mistrust", which convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be afraid of each other"?

It's appropriate when describing situations of significant tension, where fear influences interactions and relationships, rather than for minor disagreements. Examples may include situations where people "mistrust one another" because of political or cultural differences.