sway one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sway one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of influencing or persuading each other in a discussion or decision-making process. Example: "During the debate, the candidates tried to sway one another with their arguments and evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His complaints concern the internal debate that unfolds in each precinct after the initial round of voting, when supporters of different candidates try to sway one another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Don't sway one way or another.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a big swaying one but not as jolting or as violent as in February," resident Rita Langley said.

Independent

That woman there with five shopping bags and the serious intent in her stride, she looks like a woman who will not be swayed, one who knows her own mind.

The Guardian - Books

Polls generally show much more public support than opposition to federal funding of the research, but they also suggest that people are still sifting through their feelings -- and can be swayed one way or the other.

The New York Times

Few, though, seem to have been ultimately swayed one way or the other by the niceness – perhaps confirming O'Leary's longer-standing view that the customer service that mattered was cheap fares and punctual services.

The Guardian - Business

Kirsten Brandt of Newcastle University, who published a similar review of relevant studies in 2011 and concluded that organic was more nutritious than conventional, even identified a spelling error that swayed one of Stanford's results.

Huffington Post

She swayed on one leg.

The New Yorker

Areas of concern: ADJACENT BUILDINGS Tall buildings that stand close together can sway into one another, causing extensive damage.

The New York Times

They swayed into one another at the stops and turns, and it was during one of these mash-ups that Mallon felt the hand casing his rear pockets, both empty: his billfold, passport tucked inside, was buttoned into the breast pocket of his suit jacket.

The New Yorker

Various bits of legislation have cropped up over the years in attempt to control just how much sway one company might wield over a market.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sway one another", ensure the context clearly indicates a reciprocal influence. For example, specify the arguments or factors that contribute to this mutual swaying.

Common error

Avoid using "sway one another" when the influence is one-sided. If only one party is being influenced, use "sway someone" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sway one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual attempt to influence or persuade. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing that it describes an interaction where parties attempt to change each other's views or decisions. The examples confirm that this structure is used to show a dynamic where influence is bidirectional.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sway one another" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a reciprocal attempt to influence or persuade. Ludwig identifies its function as a reciprocal verb phrase with usage primarily in news and media contexts. Although less common, this phrase effectively communicates the dynamic of mutual influence, offering a nuanced alternative to more general terms like "influence each other". When employing "sway one another", ensure the context clearly demonstrates this reciprocal action to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Influence each other

Focuses on the general act of having an effect on one another, without necessarily implying persuasion.

Persuade each other

Emphasizes the act of convincing someone to adopt a particular belief or course of action.

Convince one another

Similar to "persuade each other", but suggests a stronger emphasis on overcoming doubt or opposition.

Affect each other's opinions

Highlights the impact on viewpoints, rather than overall actions or decisions.

Have an impact on each other

Broadly indicates a mutual effect, without specifying the nature of the influence.

Change each other's minds

Focuses specifically on altering someone's existing beliefs or perspectives.

Negotiate with each other

Involves discussion and compromise to reach a mutual agreement, which can sway decisions.

Motivate one another

Focuses on inspiring or encouraging each other to take action.

Lead each other

Suggests guiding or directing each other, which influences decisions and actions.

Manipulate one another

Implies using cunning or deceitful tactics to influence each other, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "sway one another" to describe situations where two or more parties are trying to influence each other's opinions or decisions. For example: "During the negotiation, both sides attempted to "sway one another" with compelling arguments".

What's the difference between "sway one another" and "influence each other"?

"Sway one another" implies a more deliberate attempt to change someone's opinion, while "influence each other" is a broader term that can encompass any kind of impact. "Influence each other" can be unintentional, while "sway one another" usually suggests an active effort.

What can I say instead of "sway one another"?

You can use alternatives like "persuade each other", "convince each other", or "influence one another" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "sway each other" instead of "sway one another"?

While "sway each other" is understandable, ""sway one another"" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically correct when referring to a mutual influence between two or more parties.