deceive one another

USAGE SUMMARY

"deceive one another" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing dishonesty or manipulation between people. Example: "In their quest for power, they began to deceive one another." Alternative expressions include "mislead each other" and "trick one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Though there is some evidence that they can deceive one another, chimpanzees generally hold nothing back.

The New Yorker

Page after page of taped dialogue reveals the rambling, ugly fog of scandal as Nixon and his top aides scramble to deceive one another and save themselves.

The Washington Post

People deceive one another for all sorts of reasons: they might lie to stay out of trouble, for example, or to make themselves seem more interesting, or to urge a business deal toward its consummation.

The New Yorker

Scott-Young's shows, in which female protagonists regularly break into physical altercations and deceive one another, have drawn controversy for what her critics describe as negative portrayals of black people.

The New Yorker

To the contrary, they are highly competitive and willing to deceive one another in pursuit of individual goals [ 5].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Biologists have known for well over a century that nonhuman organisms deceive one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Government officials deceived one another, as well as the public.

The New York Times

The recent controversy swirling around NBC News anchor Brian Williams prompts a larger question about our motivations for deceiving one another.

Huffington Post

Xenophanes Homer and Hesiod have ascribed to the gods all things that are disgraceful among mortals, stealing and adulteries and deceiving one another.

Huffington Post

But in the end Butler managed to deceive one of the most senior courts in the land and won sympathy from the press.

The Guardian

Appearances can be deceiving (one of the film's lessons), though, and murder and drug smuggling befoul the air and complicate the narrative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deceive one another" to clearly indicate a mutual act of misleading or lying between two or more parties. This phrase is suitable when both sides are actively involved in the deception.

Common error

Avoid using "deceive one another" when the deception is only occurring in one direction. If only one party is being deceived, use "deceive someone" or "be deceived by someone" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deceive one another" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reciprocal action where multiple parties engage in misleading or dishonest behavior towards each other. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deceive one another" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a reciprocal act of deception between multiple parties. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It frequently appears in news and media, science, and academic writing. Related phrases include "mislead each other" and "betray one another", each with slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure that the deception is indeed mutual and not a unilateral action. As such, while the phrase is versatile, it needs to be applied accurately to reflect the nature of the interaction between the subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mislead each other

Focuses on providing false or inaccurate information, rather than intentional trickery.

trick each other

Emphasizes a cunning and often playful form of deception.

betray one another

Highlights the breach of trust and loyalty, a more severe form of deception.

fool each other

Suggests a less malicious form of deception, often implying naivety on the part of the deceived.

dupe one another

Emphasizes the act of manipulating someone into believing something false.

hoodwink each other

Suggests a clever and potentially elaborate deception.

outwit each other

Focuses on surpassing another in cunning or intelligence, often through deceptive means.

take each other for a ride

An idiomatic expression implying exploitation through deception.

swindle each other

Suggests deceiving specifically to gain money or possessions.

defraud one another

Implies a formal, often legal context of deception for financial gain.

FAQs

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

You can use "deceive one another" to describe situations where multiple parties are actively misleading each other. For example, "In their quest for power, they began to deceive one another."

What's the difference between "deceive one another" and "mislead each other"?

"Deceive one another" often implies a deliberate intent to trick or lie, while "mislead each other" can also refer to unintentionally providing false information.

Is it correct to say "deceive themselves" instead of "deceive one another"?

No, "deceive themselves" refers to self-deception, where individuals convince themselves of something that is not true. "Deceive one another" implies that multiple parties are actively deceiving each other.

What are some alternatives to "deceive one another" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "mislead each other", "betray one another", or "defraud one another", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.