targeted each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "targeted each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are directing their actions or efforts towards one another, often in a competitive or confrontational context. Example: "During the debate, the candidates targeted each other with sharp criticisms and pointed questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Only recently, however, have the two so directly targeted each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thousands were killed and hundreds of thousands fled their homes as both sides targeted each other and civilians.

The Guardian

In subnetwork I, RB1 was targeted by members of the miR-17 family (Additional file 1: Table S6) and E2F1, while the miR-17 family members and E2F1 targeted each other, thereby forming an FFL.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I think girls target each other in the most demeaning way possible," said Lauren Parsekian, a documentary filmmaker and president of the Kind Campaign, based in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

The memo states that the Five-Eyes agreement "has evolved to include a common understanding that both governments will not target each other's citizens/persons".

The Guardian

"[The 1946 UKUSA] agreement has evolved to include a common understanding that both governments will not target each other's citizens/persons.

The Guardian

She probably should have seen this coming: Comedy Central has been organizing these celebrity roasts since 2003, and the format encourages roasters to target each other nearly as often as they do the guest of honor.

The New Yorker

Millions of men, women and children like her have repeatedly fled the rapidly shifting alliances among myriad armies and armed groups who, when not targeting each other, prey on civilians.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the rebels are rivals as well as allies: they are beginning to target each other, as well as the government's troops.Even if Mr Assad cannot control his country, he has every reason to fight on.

The Economist

"The tit-for-tat operations in which Gulf and Zetas elements target each other's vital support networks appear to have been elevated to a higher level with bigger stakes," the Stratfor report said.

The New York Times

After some time, inevitably, the oprichniki began targeting each other for denunciation and execution, and in 1572 Ivan dissolved the increasingly chaotic organisation.In the meantime the independent authority and privilege of the boyar class had been smashed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "targeted each other", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the targeting and what the target is. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "targeted each other" when the action is not truly reciprocal. If one party is primarily the aggressor and the other is merely defending, a different phrase may be more accurate. "Attacked" or "focused on" might be more suitable depending on the precise dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "targeted each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more entities. It describes a scenario where each party is both the agent and the object of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "targeted each other" describes a reciprocal action, often with negative connotations, where two or more entities direct their actions or efforts towards each other. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While examples are rare, it is important to ensure the context clarifies who is targeting whom and what the nature of the targeting entails. Alternatives such as ""focused on each other"" or ""aimed at each other"" can be considered to express subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed at each other

Uses "aimed" which is close in meaning to "targeted" but slightly less aggressive or direct.

focused on each other

Replaces "targeted" with a more general term, indicating mutual attention rather than necessarily adversarial action. Similarity score changes because of the semantic variance.

attacked one another

Emphasizes the aggressive nature of the interaction, making it more direct and forceful.

directed towards one another

A more formal and less aggressive way of expressing the same reciprocal action.

opposed each other

Focuses on the opposition between the parties, rather than the act of targeting.

were in conflict with each other

Shifts the focus to the state of conflict, rather than the action of targeting.

competed against each other

Specifically implies a competitive scenario, narrowing the scope of the original phrase.

clashed with one another

Implies a more forceful or violent interaction than simply "targeting".

were pitted against each other

Suggests an external force causing the targeting, adding a nuance not present in the original.

locked horns

An idiomatic expression meaning to engage in a conflict or dispute. More informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "targeted each other" to describe scenarios where two or more entities are directing actions or efforts towards each other, often in a competitive or confrontational way. For example: "During the debate, the candidates "targeted each other" with sharp criticisms."

What are some alternatives to "targeted each other"?

Alternatives include "focused on each other", "aimed at each other", or "directed towards one another" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What does it mean when two groups have "targeted each other"?

When two groups have "targeted each other", it means that both groups are actively directing their efforts, actions, or strategies towards the other, often in a competitive, hostile, or strategic manner. The nature of the targeting can range from verbal attacks to strategic maneuvers.

Is "targeted each other" always negative?

While "targeted each other" often implies a negative or competitive interaction, it is not always inherently negative. It can simply indicate that two entities are focusing their attention or actions on one another. The negativity depends on the specific context and the nature of the "targeting" actions.