destroy one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destroy one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing conflict, competition, or harmful actions between individuals or groups. Example: "In their relentless pursuit of power, the factions began to destroy one another, leaving the land in chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But sadly, I feel it will be the fact that narcissists end up destroying their own from the emptiness that is created within and as they feed on one another, until they destroy one another.

Huffington Post

No need to exert yourself by taking on your foes directly — eventually they'll destroy one another all by themselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

Given our own decidedly short stint of intelligence here on Earth and our alarming ability and willingness to destroy one another and our own environment, I can only imagine that the potential denizens of Gliese 436 may have long ago become an infinitesimal side note in the history of the universe.

The New York Times

Within days, they would destroy one another in a Shakespearean bloodbath to succeed Cameron.

The Guardian

Either we learn to live together as family, or we will destroy one another in a battle that only serves to empower those who profit from our divisions.

The Washington Post

All three stay true to the classic, comical Worms formula, where teams of invertebrates take turns to destroy one another over randomly-generated maps.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

So why, I have to wonder, do we spend so much of our precious time, energy and resources trying to destroy one another--when everything we see will soon vanish, as though it was all just a dream?

HuffPost

Imagine wars that were conducted constantly, wars in which both sides might not be bent on destroying one another but would rather focus on capturing resources or slowing down economic performance or producing popular frustration or distributing misinformation or manipulating elections or markets.

Forbes

Our ability to love our enemies may be the one thing that can save us as a human race seemingly bent on destroying one another in word and in deed.

HuffPost

It failed to include the second half of his actual quote which finished with "… for couples who dream of destroying one another".

The Guardian - Film

Delius drew the story of "Fennimore" from a somber Danish novel by Jens Peter Jacobsen about three young people locked inside their bourgeoise society and destroying one another in frustration.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "destroy one another" to emphasize mutual and often complete destruction, particularly in contexts involving conflict, competition, or self-destructive tendencies.

Common error

Avoid using "destroy one another" in contexts where the harm is minor or figurative. Opt for less extreme language to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destroy one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action of destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It is often used to describe scenarios of intense conflict or competition where the participants cause ruin to each other.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "destroy one another" is a grammatically correct and usable reciprocal expression that describes mutual destruction. Ludwig AI validates this. While it's not exceedingly common, it finds use in news, academic, and other analytical contexts, particularly when discussing conflict and competition. Be mindful of the strong connotation and ensure that the context warrants such a severe term. Alternatives like "annihilate each other" or "eliminate each other" might be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Annihilate each other

Emphasizes complete destruction and obliteration.

Wipe each other out

Suggests a comprehensive and devastating elimination.

Eliminate each other

Focuses on the removal or eradication of one another.

Decimate one another

Highlights a significant reduction or destruction within a group.

Devour each other

Implies a consuming or predatory destruction.

Self-destruct

Suggests an inherent tendency towards destruction within a group or system.

Ruin one another

Focuses on the damage and devastation inflicted mutually.

Sabotage each other

Implies intentional acts to undermine or destroy mutual progress.

Undermine each other

Suggests a gradual weakening or erosion of mutual support.

Combat one another

Focuses on direct conflict and opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "destroy one another" to describe situations where entities are engaged in mutual destruction. For example: "The political factions began to "destroy one another", leading to widespread instability."

What are some alternatives to "destroy one another"?

Alternatives include "annihilate each other", "wipe each other out", or "eliminate each other", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "destroy one another" in formal writing?

Yes, "destroy one another" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing conflict, politics, or social issues. The appropriateness depends on the overall tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "destroy one another" and "harm one another"?

"Destroy one another" implies a more complete and devastating impact than "harm one another". The latter suggests damage or injury, while the former suggests obliteration or ruin.