challenging each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or groups are pushing one another to improve or test their abilities, often in a competitive or collaborative setting. Example: "In our team meetings, we focus on challenging each other to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Look, it's not us challenging each other.

The Guardian - Sport

"If we both invest in 21st-century technologies, challenging each other, we all win".

The New York Times

"It's bizarre to watch women challenging each other to act – sexually – like men," says Regnerus.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Wu-Tang was formed in battles, from challenging each other".

The New York Times - Arts

They dueled until the final hole, challenging each other with birdie after birdie.

The New York Times - Sports

Italian mathematicians engaged in bitter feuds, challenging each other to solve ever more complicated equations.

The Economist

But I like what you said about pushing each other, challenging each other, in training as well".

The Guardian - Sport

Amy had a very good post today about the importance of candidates challenging each other in the debates.

The New Yorker

It's messy, and for culture to be strong, people have to be fighting and challenging each other.

The New York Times

And I say: "It starts with you challenging me in this room, challenging each other in this room.

The New York Times

When they're not using social media, they prefer face-to-face discussion, challenging each other in an open environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about team dynamics, use "challenging each other" to emphasize collaboration and mutual improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging each other" when describing situations where conflict is purely negative or destructive. The phrase implies a level of mutual respect and potential for growth that may not be present in all disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging each other" typically functions as a verb phrase expressing reciprocal action. It describes a dynamic interaction where individuals or entities actively push one another to improve, compete, or test their abilities. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "challenging each other" is a versatile phrase used to describe reciprocal action, frequently found in news and media, as supported by Ludwig. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, generally with a neutral to professional tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context involves a degree of mutual respect and a constructive aim, differentiating it from purely negative conflicts. Remember to adapt your word choice to fit the specific nature of interaction you're describing. Alternatives such as ""competing against each other"" or ""pushing one another"" can provide more nuanced meanings depending on the intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competing against each other

Emphasizes the competitive aspect, focusing on winning or outperforming.

pushing one another

Suggests encouragement and motivation to improve.

contesting with one another

Highlights active disagreement or dispute.

testing each other

Focuses on assessing skills or abilities through trials.

debating with each other

Implies a formal discussion with opposing viewpoints.

sparring with each other

Suggests a playful or practice-oriented confrontation.

rivaling one another

Emphasizes an ongoing state of competition or enmity.

crossing swords with each other

Implies a confrontational exchange, often verbal.

jostling one another

Suggests a struggle for position or advantage.

banding together

Joining forces in some kind of partnership.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging each other" to describe scenarios where people are pushing each other to improve. For example: "The team members were "challenging each other" to reach new sales targets."

What's a good alternative to "challenging each other"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "competing against each other", "pushing one another", or "testing each other".

Is "challenging each other" formal or informal?

"Challenging each other" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and subject matter than the setting.

When is it inappropriate to use "challenging each other"?

Avoid using "challenging each other" when the interaction is solely negative or destructive, as it implies a level of mutual respect and potential for improvement. In such cases, phrases like "fighting each other" or "opposing each other" might be more suitable.