betray one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "betray one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing trust, loyalty, or relationships where individuals act against each other’s interests. Example: "In times of crisis, it is disheartening to see friends who would betray one another for personal gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

In London, a photographer, an obituary writer, a stripper and a dermatologist meet in odd ways (e.g., a man pretends to be a woman on the Internet), fall in love, flirt, fight, curse, change partners and betray one another more than once.

The New York Times

After Henry's death, his wife grows dreamy and passive while her slaves betray one another or run off.

The New York Times - Books

At its most basic, the plot of "House" becomes another LaButean exploration of how people use and betray one another.

The New York Times

The agreement had been designed to bind investors in a common purpose, eliminating suspicion that they might betray one another.

The Guardian - Business

As long as we refuse to think in terms of world good and world order we shall murder and betray one another … till the crack of doom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much the same was true of "Your Friends & Neighbors," in which a group of six friends (three men, three women) harass and betray one another in a series of short, preposterously unpleasant scenes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We had betrayed one another too many times to be able to sit comfortably around the same table together.

The New Yorker

When Winston and Julia admit they've met one another and betrayed one another, that's not the dramatic climax, but the emotional climax.

The Guardian - Music

These, then, are some of the "conspirators," busily bribing and betraying one another while they earnestly philosophize about ideals, faith, power and wealth.

The New York Times - Books

When they're not busy performing heroic feats like saving national monuments from deadly pterodactyls, they're squabbling, backbiting and betraying one another.

The New York Times

In many villages where neighbors betrayed one another, and even husbands and wives don't easily talk about the war, a common policy is still don't ask, don't tell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "betray one another", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is betraying whom. This clarity helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that the message is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "betray one another" in trivial situations. This phrase carries a significant weight of broken trust and should be reserved for serious breaches of loyalty, not minor disagreements or disappointments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "betray one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action of betrayal between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "betray one another" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the violation of trust or loyalty between individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is primarily found in news and media, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "deceive each other" or "stab each other in the back" exist, "betray one another" carries a specific weight that suits scenarios involving breached expectations. Using it accurately ensures clarity and impact in both formal and informal communication. It's crucial to avoid overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violate each other's trust

Focuses specifically on breaking the bond of trust between individuals.

be disloyal to each other

Directly states a lack of loyalty, making it a more formal alternative.

break faith with one another

Focuses on violating a promise or agreement of loyalty.

deceive each other

Focuses on the act of misleading, rather than the breaking of trust.

be treacherous to one another

Highlights the aspect of treachery, implying hidden dangers and deceit.

double-cross each other

Emphasizes treachery and deceit in a more active and intentional way.

play false with each other

Implies deceit and unreliability in relationships or agreements.

stab each other in the back

A more figurative and emphatic way to express betrayal, often in a competitive setting.

sell each other out

Suggests betrayal for personal gain, often involving divulging secrets or information.

act perfidiously toward each other

A more formal and less common way to express betrayal, emphasizing deceitfulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "betray one another" to describe situations where individuals or groups violate each other's trust or loyalty. For example, "The politicians "deceive one another" in their quest for power".

What are some alternatives to "betray one another"?

Alternatives include "deceive each other", "double-cross each other", or "stab each other in the back", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "betray one another" formal or informal?

"Betray one another" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is generally more common in news, media, and literary works. The formality depends more on the surrounding language than on the phrase itself.

What does it mean when people "betray one another"?

When people "betray one another", it means they are violating a trust or loyalty that was expected between them. This can involve actions like lying, deceiving, or acting against the other person's interests.