hurt one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hurt one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that cause emotional or physical pain to each other, often in the context of relationships or conflicts. Example: "In times of stress, it's easy for friends to hurt one another without realizing the impact of their words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Ali paints a terrifically subtle portrait of how such a marriage is threatened in a culture in which a woman is encouraged to grow beyond it, how he and Nazneen build a strange relationship of simultaneous closeness and apartness, how they hurt one another and also depend on one another.

The Guardian - Books

We live amongst one another, we love and hurt one another, and we chill on the stoop in the summertime with a blunt with our hair in braids.

Vice

"Incite people to hurt one another?" Mrs. Cancillieri asked, incredulous.

The New York Times

They all hurt one another simply by existing; the damage can never be re paired.

The New York Times

We changed streets names, the flag, always trying not to hurt one another".

The New York Times

You are always aware of the truly good intentions of characters doomed to hurt one another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mitch: "Big fish in a small pond, innit?" "Kids' faces covered/ They're hurting one another/ Good luck avoiding the beating down" Reading this on mobile?

The Guardian - Music

Will the characters ever stop hurting one another with pointed one-liners?

The New York Times

We're devoting a lot of time and energy to destroying our home and to hurting one another.

The Guardian - Opinion

This helps both parties to understand firstly what triggered any disagreement and secondly, why gripes are rarely worth hurting one another over.

The Guardian

But raise the issue of whether one block of the avenue — which juts out from Pelham Parkway near the Bruckner Expressway — should run southbound or northbound, and the police might have to be summoned to keep the neighbors from hurting one another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more specific terms to describe the nature of the harm, such as "betray", "neglect", or "belittle", depending on the context. Use "hurt one another" for general cases where the specific action is less important than the overall effect.

Common error

Avoid using "hurt one another" as a vague or generalized description of conflict. Instead, specify the actions or behaviors that lead to the harm. For example, instead of writing 'Their relationship was defined by them hurting one another', clarify with 'Their relationship was defined by constant arguments and emotional neglect'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hurt one another" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb with a reciprocal pronoun as its object. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its use to describe actions causing emotional or physical pain between people. It highlights mutual harm within relationships or groups.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hurt one another" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to describe the act of causing emotional or physical harm between individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, media, and literature, highlighting conflicts and relationship dynamics. While its register is generally neutral, contextual awareness is vital for preventing overuse in vague instances. Alternatives such as "harm each other" or "cause each other pain" can offer varied emphasis. Overall, this phrase is a versatile descriptor with a clear, direct connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harm each other

This alternative uses "harm" instead of "hurt", indicating a similar but potentially more severe form of damage.

cause each other pain

This phrase uses more explicit terms to describe the act of inflicting pain, whether physical or emotional.

inflict suffering on each other

This alternative emphasizes the suffering caused by the actions, highlighting the impact of the harm.

wound each other

This suggests a deeper emotional or psychological impact, similar to a physical wound.

do damage to one another

This phrase focuses on the damage caused, which may be more long-lasting than a simple hurt.

mistreat each other

This alternative suggests a pattern of negative behavior rather than a single incident of harm.

abuse each other

This term implies a more severe and potentially systemic form of mistreatment.

wrong one another

This suggests a moral or ethical violation in the way individuals treat each other.

aggrieve one another

This term is more formal and suggests causing sorrow or distress.

traumatize one another

This emphasizes the deep and lasting psychological damage caused by the actions.

FAQs

What does "hurt one another" mean?

"Hurt one another" means to cause emotional or physical pain or harm to each other. It is often used to describe the negative interactions or impact people have on each other within relationships or communities.

What are some alternatives to "hurt one another"?

Some alternatives to "hurt one another" include "harm each other", "cause each other pain", or "inflict suffering on each other". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the harm being described.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hurt one another"?

Yes, "hurt one another" is grammatically correct. The verb "hurt" is used transitively to indicate causing harm to "one another", which is a reciprocal pronoun indicating that each person in a group is affecting the others.

How can I use "hurt one another" effectively in a sentence?

To use "hurt one another" effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates a reciprocal action where multiple parties are causing harm to each other. For example, "In their constant bickering, they often "hurt one another" with harsh words" shows a clear exchange of harm.