screw each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "screw each other" is not grammatically correct in written English, and should not be used.
In its place, use phrases such as "harm each other" or "betray each other". For example: Since the couple had stopped trusting each other, they began to harm each other in small ways.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And I think trying to get some sort of normal relationship in all that… it just doesn't work, you know?" White: "Maybe after we get a few more albums out of our system, we might, like… I don't mean screw each other.

The Guardian - Music

This is the Internet, where we screw each other over for a jolt of satisfaction.

TechCrunch

Those games are fun in their own way as players work to screw each other over, form groups, and so on, but I think a Walking Dead game would in fact need a plot to make the license worth having.

Forbes

"I had an agent threaten me and one of our players with physical violence, because he thought he was being cut out of a deal". QPR manager Harry Redknapp, whose club were one of the more active teams in the market during the transfer window, had earlier said: "Every agent seems to be trying to screw each other.

BBC

And then they tried to screw each other by "taking it all".

Huffington Post

Or take a look at the Ashkenazi Jews, who have a really high incidence of Tay-Sachs disease because they only screw each other.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He was at his best, miles up a Himalaya and giving us a blow-by-blow of the snow leopards screwing each other.

The Guardian

DAVID DENBY: I still haven't recovered from "The Anti-Christ," with Gainsbourg and Dafoe screwing each other to death deep in the woods.

The New Yorker

You all screwed each other over plenty, so you kind of hate each other, but, at the same time, you're in this crazy dysfunctional family where you have to coexist".

The New Yorker

What began as a beautiful dance of courtship descended into an emotional hell of gruelling, flayed choreography in which the blood-smeared dancers almost seemed to be screwing each other to death.

The Guardian

There's a whole host of cops, but it takes forever to get to know anything about any of them except for the tired cliches, such as two partners screwing each other and a rookie who isn't sure he's cut out for the job.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "screw each other" with more appropriate phrases like "exploit one another" or "undermine each other" to maintain professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "screw each other" in formal or professional contexts. Its vulgarity can damage your credibility and is unsuitable for academic papers, business communications, or news reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "screw each other" functions as a verb phrase, denoting an action of exploitation or betrayal between two or more parties. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not grammatically correct in written English and suggests alternatives. Examples from Ludwig show it used in informal contexts to express mutual harm or exploitation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "screw each other" is an informal and vulgar expression used to describe mutual exploitation or betrayal. Ludwig AI marks this phrase as grammatically incorrect for formal written English. The examples from Ludwig indicate its presence mainly in news media and online forums, suggesting limited use in formal or professional settings. When writing, it's best to replace "screw each other" with more appropriate phrases like "exploit one another", "undermine each other", or "betray one another" to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploit one another

Focuses on unfair advantage and taking advantage, less aggressive than the original phrase.

take advantage of each other

Highlights opportunism and using someone for personal gain.

betray one another

Emphasizes the breach of trust and loyalty.

undermine each other

Suggests a gradual weakening or sabotage of each other's efforts.

double-cross each other

Implies deceit and treachery, adding a layer of betrayal.

deceive one another

Highlights the act of misleading or misrepresenting the truth.

stab each other in the back

Emphasizes a treacherous act done in secret.

harm each other

A more general term indicating damage or injury, either physical or emotional.

swindle each other

Focuses on deceiving someone out of money or possessions.

dupe one another

Implies tricking someone into doing something against their interest.

FAQs

What's a more polite way to say "screw each other"?

Consider using alternatives like "exploit one another", "undermine each other", or "betray one another" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "screw each other" grammatically correct?

The phrase "screw each other" is grammatically informal and considered incorrect for formal writing. While understandable, it's best to use more precise and appropriate vocabulary in formal settings.

In what contexts can I use "screw each other"?

The phrase "screw each other" is typically used in informal settings or casual conversations. Avoid using it in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "screw each other" and "take advantage of each other"?

"Screw each other" is a more vulgar and aggressive way of saying "take advantage of each other". The latter is more acceptable in a broader range of situations.