hostile to each other

USAGE SUMMARY

'hostile to each other' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more people who are acting in an antagonistic or aggressive way towards each other. For example: "The two siblings were hostile to each other from the moment they saw each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The two have grown increasingly hostile to each other.

The New York Times

He added, half-jokingly: "Give it a few months before we're all hostile to each other".

The New York Times

"They'd go to reunions together - they weren't hostile to each other".

The New York Times

The Saudis and Iranians are deeply hostile to each other and unlikely to agree to discuss Syria with each other.

The Guardian

Regardless, the two men were openly and publicly hostile to each other by the time Trump took office.

The Washington Post

Isis victories last summer frightened many countries and parties, hostile to each other in normal times, into coming together.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was a wonderful relief that you could have characters saying hostile things to each other, but they're also, in a way, saying "I love you" and trying to make the other person laugh.

The New York Times

They may be extremely abundant in environments that are hostile to all other life forms.

University of California, Berkeley

Kant argued that the particularistic nature of "Jewish legislation" made Jews "hostile to all other peoples".

The New York Times

Paramilitary forces attacked civilians at will; every ethnic community was hostile to every other.

The New Yorker

The symbolic bonfires in Northern Ireland are on the one hand an expression of community, tradition, and on the other hand are hostile to other traditions.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hostile to each other" to clearly convey mutual antagonism between individuals, groups, or nations. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile to each other" when describing minor disagreements or simple dislikes. Reserve it for situations where there is genuine animosity or aggression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile to each other" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a relationship or situation characterized by mutual antagonism and aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hostile to each other" effectively describes a state of mutual antagonism or aggression. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic discourse. While its register is neutral, its application should be reserved for situations genuinely marked by animosity to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "antagonistic toward one another" or "at odds with each other" when a less intense description is needed. The phrase is a valuable tool for accurately portraying relationships characterized by genuine animosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutually antagonistic

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the antagonism.

antagonistic toward one another

Focuses on a consistent state of opposition rather than specific hostile actions.

inimical to one another

Focuses on a fundamental incompatibility.

at odds with each other

Implies disagreement or conflict, not necessarily active hostility.

in conflict with one another

Highlights a state of opposition and potential clashes.

openly combative with each other

Highlights a direct and overt aggressive behavior.

mutually aggressive

Highlights that the aggression is present in both parts.

bitterly opposed to one another

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional charge behind the opposition.

ill-disposed toward each other

Suggests a negative feeling or attitude, milder than hostility.

estranged from one another

Highlights a severing of a prior affectionate relationship.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "hostile to each other"?

Consider alternatives like "antagonistic toward one another", "at odds with each other", or "mutually antagonistic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hostile to each other"?

Use "hostile to each other" when describing a relationship characterized by open animosity, aggression, or antagonism. Ensure the situation warrants such a strong term.

What is a common mistake when using "hostile to each other"?

A common mistake is to use "hostile to each other" to describe situations involving mild disagreements or mere dislike. This phrase suggests a significant degree of animosity.

Is there a difference between "hostile towards each other" and "hostile to each other"?

While both "hostile towards each other" and "hostile to each other" are grammatically correct and widely understood, "hostile to each other" is generally more common and considered slightly more idiomatic.