Reciprocal pronouns in English grammar, used to indicate mutual actions or relationships between two or more people. When two subjects are performing the same action on each other, reciprocal pronouns are used to clarify this connection. In this article, we will break down the concept of reciprocal pronouns, provide clear examples, and explain when and how to use them.
Understanding reciprocal pronouns can improve your communication, whether you’re writing formally or speaking informally. By mastering these pronouns, you can effectively express shared actions and relationships.
What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?
A reciprocal pronoun refers to a mutual action or relationship between two or more people. These pronouns are used when one person performs an action and the other person responds with the same action. Essentially, both individuals (or groups) are involved in the action at the same time, and the pronoun reflects this mutual relationship.
There are two main reciprocal pronouns in English:
- Each other – typically used when referring to two people or things.
- One another – generally used when referring to more than two people or things.
Both “each other” and “one another” are used interchangeably in casual English, but traditionally, “each other” refers to two entities, and “one another” refers to three or more.
How Reciprocal Pronouns Work
Reciprocal pronouns are usually placed in the object position of a sentence. They connect the subject of the sentence to the action being performed on one another. In some cases, they may appear after verbs like love, help, talk, see, and fight.
Example Sentences Using Reciprocal Pronouns:
- “They helped each other during the exam.” (Two people helping each other)
- “The two friends congratulated one another after the game.” (Two friends congratulating each other)
- “We trust one another deeply.” (More than two people trusting each other)
- “The children played with each other at the park.” (Two children playing together)
In each example, the action (helping, congratulating, trusting, or playing) is shared equally between the people or groups involved.
When to Use Reciprocal Pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns are used in specific situations where the subject and object are the same group of people, performing the same action.
1. When Two or More People Are Involved in the Action
- Each other is used for two people or entities:
- Example: “The couple loves each other.”
- One another is used for three or more people or entities:
- Example: “The teammates celebrated one another‘s success.”
2. Indicating Mutual Actions or Relationships
Reciprocal pronouns show a mutual exchange. Both parties are doing the same thing to one another, creating a relationship where the action is shared equally.
- Example 1: “The workers helped each other in completing the task.”
- Example 2: “We support one another in our community.”
3. Interchangeability in Casual Use
In everyday spoken or written English, “each other” and “one another” are often used interchangeably, especially when the number of people involved is not strictly defined. However, using “each other” for two people and “one another” for three or more people remains the traditional rule.
Differences Between “Each Other” and “One Another”
Although both “each other” and “one another” express a reciprocal action, there is a subtle difference in their traditional use:
| Pronoun | Number of People | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Each other | Two people | “They hugged each other after the reunion.” |
| One another | More than two | “The team members passed the ball to one another.” |
Basic Takeaways:
- Use each other when referring to two people or things.
- Use one another when referring to more than two people or things.
- In informal contexts, both can be used interchangeably.
Common Mistakes with Reciprocal Pronouns
Though reciprocal pronouns seem straightforward, some common errors can occur when using them.
1. Incorrect Subject Usage
Reciprocal pronouns are always used as objects in sentences. They should never be used as subjects.
Incorrect Usage:
- “Each other were tired after the game.”
- Correct: “They were tired after the game.”
Correct Usage:
- “They looked at each other and smiled.”
2. Confusing “Each other” and “One another”
Though “each other” and “one another” are often used interchangeably, it’s important to follow traditional grammar rules when writing formally. Use “each other” for two people, and “one another” for three or more.
Common Errors with Reciprocal Pronouns
Though reciprocal pronouns are simple, people often make mistakes while using them, especially in more complex sentences. Let’s look at some of the most common errors and how to avoid them.
1. Using Reciprocal Pronouns Incorrectly as Subjects
A reciprocal pronoun should always be used as the object in a sentence. However, people sometimes mistakenly place them in the subject position.
Incorrect Usage:
- “Each other are playing tennis.”
- “One another is cooking dinner.”
Correct Usage:
- “They are playing tennis with each other.”
- “They are cooking dinner for one another.”
By ensuring that reciprocal pronouns are only used in the object position, the sentence becomes grammatically correct.
2. Misunderstanding Plural and Singular Forms
Some learners confuse singular and plural forms of reciprocal pronouns. It’s important to note that “each other” is traditionally used for two people, while “one another” is for more than two. However, both can often be used interchangeably in informal contexts.
Incorrect Usage:
-
“The two teams competed with one another.”
- Correct: “The two teams competed with each other.”
-
“The students helped each other with their homework.”
- Correct: “The students helped one another.”
These errors occur mainly when people are unsure about the number of subjects in a sentence. In informal speech, this is often overlooked, but in formal writing, it’s better to distinguish between the two.
3. Confusing Reflexive Pronouns with Reciprocal Pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns, such as “each other” and “one another”, should not be confused with reflexive pronouns like “myself,” “yourself,” “themselves,” and others. Reflexive pronouns reflect the subject back onto itself, while reciprocal pronouns indicate mutual actions or relationships.
Example:
- Incorrect: “They looked at themselves.”
- Correct: “They looked at each other.”
The key difference lies in the function—reciprocal pronouns describe actions between two or more people, while reflexive pronouns describe actions done by the subject to itself.
How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns in Writing and Speech
Reciprocal pronouns are commonly used in both written and spoken English. Whether you’re telling a story, writing a report, or just having a conversation, they help clarify mutual actions. Here’s a breakdown of how to use them effectively:
1. Using “Each Other” for Two People
“Each other” is ideal when referring to two people or entities performing the same action. This is the most common usage of reciprocal pronouns.
Examples:
- “They passed the ball to each other.”
- “I met with each other after school.”
2. Using “One Another” for More Than Two People
Use “one another” when referring to more than two people or things. This is more formal but still widely used in both writing and conversation.
Examples:
- “The teammates congratulated one another after winning the match.”
- “We shared the responsibility with one another.”
3. In Different Tenses and Conjugations
Reciprocal pronouns can appear in various tenses, just like other pronouns. Whether you’re using the present, past, or future tense, the reciprocal pronoun will change accordingly.
Examples:
- Present Tense: “They help each other every day.”
- Past Tense: “They helped each other with the project.”
- Future Tense: “They will help each other again next week.”
4. Formal and Informal Usage
Although “each other” and “one another” are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, using “one another” can add a level of formality, particularly in writing or more formal speech.
Example:
- Informal: “We see each other all the time.”
- Formal: “They respect one another deeply.”
