Itch a scratch?

Question

My friend and I are having a disagreement that I'm hoping you can help with. Essentially, we disagree whether it would be proper to say "Itch a scratch". You can scratch and itch of course, but to itch a scratch seems to be an oxymoron in my opinion. I'm assuming the verb "to itch" (in this context) is the sensation or feeling on your skin. However, there seems to be some confusion on the dictionary meaning of the verb itch. Some definitions indicate that the physical act of scratching an itch is the verb. Others only state the sensation or feeling on the skin. My friend disagrees and says itch a scratch or itch and itch is fine.

I know this might seem silly, but I recall from my english classes (many years ago) there are different kinds of verbs that cannot be used together.

Thank you in advance.
MH

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I don't believe it's correct to use "itch" as a transitive verb.

(It's not something that you can do to something.)

You may have to show your friend a dictionary entry for "itch," and point out the V. (verb)/ intr. (intransitive); and that there is no v./tr. (transitive).
Compare that to "scratch."

CalifJim · Answer

I've never heard of itching a scratch or itching an itch. It seems to me that only very confused people would say such things.

You scratch an itch. There's no other permutation of words that works to convey that idea.

CJ

Itch a scratch?

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