entertain each other

USAGE SUMMARY

'entertain each other' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more people who have found ways to keep each other amused or amused themselves. For example, "The two roommates had grown close, and often spent their evenings entertaining each other with stories, board games, and music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Here, you don't have to entertain each other.

The New York Times

We would entertain each other onstage, too, while we were performing.

The New Yorker

Sometimes in our business, we think we're here to entertain each other, and we forget there's an audience at home.

The Guardian

Is your friendship a serious, considered affair, or do you entertain each other with pranks and japes?

The Guardian - Opinion

They might seek to entertain each other, or to persuade each other, or to learn from each other.

Harvard Business Review

Switch the TV off, gather round the sofa and entertain each other at no risk to your bank balance.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Short on cash, they found ways of entertaining each other.

The New Yorker

We sang and entertained each other during the journey.

The New York Times

Remember, I'm from the generation before television, so we entertained each other.

The Guardian - Music

The Scene Second-home owners in Duneland spend a lot of time entertaining each other.

The New York Times - Travel

We presumably meant the couple entertained Cameron, and he entertained them, not that the couple entertained each other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing activities where the primary goal is mutual enjoyment and shared experiences, "entertain each other" fits well. It can be used in both formal and informal writing, depending on the context and tone.

Common error

Avoid using "entertain each other" to describe a situation where only one party is providing the entertainment, as it implies a reciprocal action. Instead, use "entertain someone" when describing a one-sided scenario.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertain each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more parties. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a scenario where individuals are actively providing amusement or enjoyment to one another. This is supported by the many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entertain each other" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that denotes mutual amusement or enjoyment between two or more individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes reciprocal actions where parties actively engage in providing entertainment to one another. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase suits both formal and informal contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using "entertain each other", ensure the action is genuinely reciprocal to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "amuse one another" or "enjoy each other's company" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amuse one another

Focuses more specifically on providing amusement, a direct synonym.

make each other laugh

Specifically focuses on eliciting laughter, a type of entertainment.

enjoy each other's company

Focuses on deriving pleasure from being together, not necessarily through active entertainment.

distract one another

Suggests diverting attention, possibly from something unpleasant, less about enjoyment.

engage with each other

Emphasizes interaction and involvement, but less specifically about entertainment.

stimulate one another

Highlights intellectual or creative invigoration, not just simple entertainment.

exchange stories

Highlights the act of sharing narratives, can be but not always for entertainment purposes.

keep each other company

Focuses on companionship and shared presence, rather than active entertainment.

share experiences

Highlights shared activities and memories, a broader concept than just entertaining.

find common interests

Highlights discovering shared passions, not necessarily for entertaining purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "entertain each other" to describe mutual amusement. For example, "During the road trip, the friends "entertained each other" with stories and jokes".

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

Alternatives include "amuse one another", "enjoy each other's company", or "make each other laugh", depending on the specific context.

Is "entertain each other" formal or informal?

"Entertain each other" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than on the phrase itself.

What does it mean when people "entertain each other"?

It means people are mutually providing amusement and enjoyment. This can involve sharing stories, playing games, or engaging in any activity that brings shared pleasure and engagement.