Each Other vs One Another: Rules, Examples & Practice

Introduction

If you have ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to say “they helped each other” or “they helped one another“, you are not alone. These two reciprocal expressions confuse learners because they look different but often mean the same thing. In this guide, we will clear up the rules, show you how native speakers really use them, and give you plenty of examples so you can use both with confidence.

What Are ‘Each Other’ and ‘One Another’?

Each other and one another are reciprocal pronouns. A reciprocal pronoun shows that an action goes in both directions — person A does something to person B, and person B does something to person A. For example, in “Anna and Ben love each other“, Anna loves Ben and Ben loves Anna. The action is mutual, not one-way.

Both expressions can also appear with a possessive form: each other’s and one another’s (for example, “They borrowed each other’s books”). The meaning is identical; the difference is mainly style and tradition.

Rules

1. Use them only for two-way actions. The subject must be plural (or a group), and the action must go both ways: “The students helped each other.” Never use them when only one person acts: ❌ “She blamed each other.”
2. Traditional rule: “each other” for two, “one another” for more than two. Many teachers and style guides say “each other” is for two people or things (“The twins looked at each other“) and “one another” is for three or more (“The teammates congratulated one another“).
3. Modern usage: both are usually acceptable. In everyday English, native speakers use “each other” and “one another” interchangeably, especially in conversation. “One another” sounds slightly more formal.
4. Never use them as the subject. They are objects (direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition): ✅ “They respect each other.” ❌ “Each other respects them.”
5. Form the possessive with ‘s. Write each other’s and one another’s, not “each others” or “one anothers”: ✅ “They shared each other’s notes.”
6. Do not use them with verbs that cannot be reciprocal. Verbs like “meet”, “marry”, and “fight” work well (“They met each other at work”), but a one-directional action does not: ❌ “He called each other.”
7. Keep the verb plural. Because the subject is plural, the verb agrees with the plural subject, not with the reciprocal pronoun: ✅ “The neighbours greet each other every morning.”

How to Use Them

Follow these steps whenever you want to express a mutual action:

1. Check that the action goes both ways. Ask yourself: does A do it to B, and does B do it to A? If yes, a reciprocal pronoun fits.
2. Identify the subject. It must be plural or a group: “my parents”, “the two dogs”, “the whole class”.
3. Choose your pronoun. For two people, “each other” is the safest choice. For three or more, “one another” is more formal, but “each other” is fine in everyday English.
4. Place it after the verb or preposition. Examples: “They text each other daily.” / “They laughed at one another’s jokes.”
5. Add ‘s for possession. “The sisters borrow each other’s clothes all the time.”

Here is a quick comparison: “Two friends hugged each other.” (traditional: two people) / “The five friends hugged one another.” (traditional: more than two) / In modern speech, both sentences are correct and natural.

Examples in Sentences

• My brother and I call each other every Sunday.
• The two cats washed each other gently.
• All the volunteers thanked one another after the event.
• The teammates encourage each other before every match.
• My cousins and I send one another birthday cards.
• Tom and Sara looked at each other and smiled.
• The neighbours help one another during heavy snow.
• The students borrowed each other’s pens during the exam.
• The five children shared one another’s snacks at the picnic.
• My parents have known each other since university.
• The department heads respect one another professionally.
• The puppies chased each other around the garden.
• The class members congratulated one another on their results.
• We should listen to each other more carefully.
• The two companies compete with each other for customers.

Common Mistakes

Here are five errors ESL learners often make — and how to fix them.

• Mistake 1: Using a reciprocal pronoun with a singular subject.
  ❌ “My sister and I love each other, but my brother loves each other too.”
  ✅ “My sister and I love each other, but my brother loves himself too.” (One person needs a reflexive pronoun, not a reciprocal one.)
• Mistake 2: Writing “each others” or “one anothers”.
  ❌ “They read each others’ emails.”
  ✅ “They read each other’s emails.”
• Mistake 3: Using them as the subject.
  ❌ “Each other was invited to the party.”
  ✅ “They invited each other to the party.”
• Mistake 4: Forgetting the verb must match the plural subject.
  ❌ “The two boys helps each other with homework.”
  ✅ “The two boys help each other with homework.”
• Mistake 5: Mixing up reciprocal and reflexive pronouns.
  ❌ “The children dressed each other quickly.” (only true if they dressed one another — usually they dress themselves)
  ✅ “The children dressed themselves quickly.”

Quick Summary

• Each other and one another are reciprocal pronouns showing two-way actions.
• Traditional rule: “each other” for two; “one another” for three or more.
• Modern English often uses them interchangeably; “one another” is slightly more formal.
• They are objects, never subjects, and the verb stays plural.
• Possessive forms: each other’s and one another’s.
• Do not confuse them with reflexive pronouns (myself, themselves, etc.).

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with each other, one another, each other’s, or one another’s. Then check your answers below.

1. The two sisters always finish ________ homework together.
2. All ten players shook ________ hands after the final whistle.
3. My best friend and I email ________ every week.
4. The whole team encouraged ________ during the difficult season.
5. The twins often wear ________ jackets.

Answers:

1. each other’s (or one another’s — both accepted; two people)
2. one another’s (traditional choice; more than two)
3. each other (two people)
4. one another (traditional choice for a group; “each other” also acceptable)
5. each other’s (two people)

Conclusion

“Each other” and “one another” are small words with a big job: they show that an action goes both ways. Remember the traditional two-versus-many rule, keep the verb plural, and use the possessive forms with ‘s. With a little practice, these reciprocal pronouns will feel completely natural in your everyday English.

FAQ

Is it wrong to use “each other” for more than two people?

No. The traditional rule says “each other” is for two and “one another” is for more than two, but modern English accepts “each other” for any number. Most native speakers say “The team members help each other” without thinking twice. If you want to sound more formal, use “one another” for groups of three or more.

What is the difference between “each other” and “themselves”?

“Each other” shows a two-way action between people: “Anna and Ben helped each other” (Anna helped Ben, and Ben helped Anna). “Themselves” is reflexive and points back to the subject as a group doing something to or for itself: “The children dressed themselves.” If the action bounces between two or more people, use a reciprocal pronoun; if the group acts on itself, use a reflexive pronoun.

Do we write “each other’s” or “each others'”?

Always write each other’s. “Each other” is a fixed phrase, so the apostrophe comes before the s: “They borrowed each other’s books.” The form “each others” does not exist in standard English. The same applies to one another’s.

Can “each other” and “one another” be used with things, not just people?

Yes, they can describe mutual actions between things, especially in writing: “The two buildings face each other across the square” or “The wires cross one another under the street.” In everyday conversation, though, they are most common with people and animals.