was each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was each other" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in contexts where mutual actions or relationships are being described, but it requires a subject and verb to be grammatically correct. Example: "They were helping each other with their homework, as they often did."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

All we had was each other.

The New York Times

"All we had was each other at that point.

The New York Times - Sports

"All we had was each other," Escoffery told me.

The New Yorker

Intensely social, their only consolation was each other.

Independent

But all they could think about was each other.

The New York Times

"The only thing we had was each other," Mr. Wang said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Yet their greatest threat is each other.

The Economist

They are each other's best friends.

The New York Times - Food

"Sometimes we're each other's therapists".

The New York Times

What they do have is each other.

The New York Times

We were each other's keepers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a reciprocal relationship or action, replace the phrase "was each other" with a more grammatically correct construction, such as "helped each other" or "supported each other". This ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.

Common error

Avoid using "was each other" as a standalone phrase. It typically requires a verb that indicates action or a state of being that reflects reciprocity. For example, instead of saying "All they had was each other", consider "They only had each other" or "They relied on each other".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was each other" functions to describe a relationship of mutual dependence or exclusivity. While not grammatically standard, its usage aims to emphasize that individuals or entities are each other's primary or sole resource, support, or focus. According to Ludwig, the phrase is not correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was each other" is used to express a strong reciprocal relationship, implying mutual dependence or a unique bond. While common in informal contexts, it's grammatically questionable and better replaced with phrases like ""helped each other"" or "relied on each other" for clarity and grammatical accuracy. News & Media are primary contexts where you can find the phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect and suggests using alternative phrases for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helped each other

Replaces the static 'was' with the active verb 'helped', implying mutual assistance.

supported each other

Substitutes 'was' with 'supported', emphasizing mutual encouragement and aid.

relied on each other

Replaces 'was' with 'relied', highlighting mutual dependence.

depended on each other

Similar to 'relied on each other', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on necessity.

cared for each other

Highlights mutual affection and support.

looked after each other

Similar to "cared for each other" but more focused on protecting each other.

understood each other

Emphasizes mutual comprehension and empathy.

knew each other well

Focuses on an in-depth familiarity between individuals.

were there for each other

Highlights mutual support and presence during difficult times.

shared everything

Focuses on reciprocal sharing and openness in a relationship.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the idea of mutual support instead of "was each other"?

Instead of "was each other", use phrases like "They "supported each other"", "They "helped each other"", or "They "relied on each other"" to express mutual action.

What are some alternatives to "was each other" that emphasize mutual understanding?

To highlight mutual understanding, you can use phrases such as "They "understood each other"" or "They "knew each other well"", which better convey the intended meaning.

Is "was each other" grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "was each other" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like ""supported each other"" or ""helped each other"".

In what contexts might I encounter "was each other", and why is it used?

"Was each other" might appear in informal contexts or narratives where the emphasis is on the exclusivity or intensity of a relationship. However, it's often grammatically imprecise and should be replaced with phrases like "they had only each other" for clarity.