beating one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beating one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are physically or metaphorically striking or competing against each other. Example: "During the heated debate, the candidates were metaphorically beating one another with their arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Prosecutors said their behavior in the May 4 incident, in which videotapes show students sucking beer from kegs, smearing feces on one another and beating one another with baseball bats, did not meet the legal definition of hazing because it was not part of a club initiation.

The New York Times

He pointed out how the four teams, including Atlanta, have been beating one another.

The New York Times - Sports

Coaches heading for Windsor or Slough in the 1820s regularly stopped to watch boys beating one another to a pulp at Eton.

The Guardian - Books

Photo: A gym fills with screams and the sound of warriors beating one another with bamboo swords, but it's all friendly at the New York City Kendo Club.

The New York Times

Part of the process takes place in a club, started by the two of them, where depressed, threatened young men gather to work out their rage and feelings of inferiority by beating one another bloody.

The New York Times

AT&T and WorldCom, and to a lesser extent smaller long-distance carriers like Sprint, Qwest and Level 3, are beating one another over the head to grab larger shares of the market for selling communications services to business customers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

If they fail, they are not just going to beat themselves up, but beat one another up, too.

The Guardian

They are trying to beat a dysfunctional system as much as they are trying to beat one another.

The New Yorker

Before the 400 men's final, the three American entrants prayed together before trying to beat one another.

The New York Times - Sports

In China, the censorship regime is not only a political tool; it is also a competitive one — a cudgel that private firms use to beat one another with.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the drivers soon needed their horsepower not to beat one another but to outrace the police, who were there to take the road back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing competitive scenarios, consider whether the phrase "beating one another" accurately conveys the intensity and nature of the competition. If the context is not violent, a less aggressive alternative might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "beating one another" when the situation involves cooperation or mutual assistance. This phrase implies antagonism, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beating one another" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a reciprocal action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in describing both literal physical altercations and metaphorical competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

6.67%

Less common in

Wiki

6.67%

Science

3.33%

Encyclopedias

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beating one another" is grammatically correct and serves to describe a reciprocal action involving conflict or intense competition. While most frequently found in news and media contexts, its suitability depends on the intended level of formality and the specific nature of the situation, as determined by Ludwig AI. It's essential to consider alternatives like "competing fiercely" or "clashing" to accurately convey the desired meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hitting each other

This alternative is a more direct and literal description of physical contact.

striking each other

This alternative implies a more forceful or deliberate action than simply "hitting".

fighting amongst themselves

This alternative broadens the scope to include any form of conflict, not necessarily physical.

competing fiercely

This alternative focuses on the competitive aspect, omitting the physical violence.

clashing with each other

This alternative evokes a sense of conflict or disagreement, whether physical or ideological.

assaulting one another

This implies a more severe and illegal form of physical violence.

battering each other

This intensifies the violence, suggesting a sustained and forceful attack.

vying for supremacy

This focuses on the struggle for dominance, especially in a competitive setting.

engaging in combat

This suggests a more formal and structured confrontation.

trading blows

This alternative emphasizes the exchange of physical attacks.

FAQs

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

You can use "beating one another" to describe situations where individuals or groups are in direct competition or physical conflict, such as "The teams were "beating one another" to win the championship" or "The protesters were "beating one another" during the riot".

What are some alternatives to "beating one another"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "competing fiercely", "clashing with each other", or "trading blows".

Is "beating one another" formal or informal?

"Beating one another" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both news reporting and casual conversation. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "beating one another" and "fighting each other"?

While similar, "beating one another" implies a more sustained or intense level of physical violence compared to "fighting each other". "Fighting each other" can encompass a broader range of conflicts, not necessarily involving physical blows.