When learning English, understanding how to use reciprocal pronouns is crucial for expressing mutual actions and relationships clearly. These pronouns are used when two or more subjects perform an action on each other or share a mutual relationship. Knowing how to properly use reciprocal pronouns can significantly enhance your fluency in both writing and speaking.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into reciprocal pronouns, explaining what they are, how to use them, and answering common questions to help you become more confident in using them in everyday communication.
What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?
Reciprocal pronouns are used to indicate a mutual relationship or action between two or more people or things. Unlike regular pronouns, which can refer to a single subject or object, reciprocal pronouns reflect the idea that two or more entities are interacting in a back-and-forth manner. In English, the two main reciprocal pronouns are Each other One another These pronouns show that the action or feeling is shared equally between the entities involved. Points About Reciprocal Pronouns:
Each other and one another are the only reciprocal pronouns in English. These pronouns are primarily used in plural situations. They express mutual actions or relationships, meaning that the action is reciprocated. Each other is commonly used when referring to two people or things, while one another is often used for three or more people or things, though this rule is not always strictly followed.
Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences
To better understand reciprocal pronouns, let’s look at some examples where they are used correctly in sentences.
Each other:
Rachel and Ross love each other. The coaches spoke to each other about strategy. The children helped each other with their homework.
One another:
The members of the team supported one another. At the reunion, everyone took turns joking about one another. The classmates exchanged notes with one another after the lecture.
How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns Correctly
Reciprocal pronouns can be tricky to use correctly, but once you understand the basics, it’s easy to integrate them into your writing and speech. Here are some essential rules to keep in mind when using each other and one another:
- The Pronouns Are Always the Object of the Sentence
Reciprocal pronouns are used as objects, not subjects. This means that each other and one another will always receive the action of the verb but will never be the one doing the action.
Correct:
Barry and Mary are friends. They smiled at each other.
Incorrect:
Barry and Mary are friends. Each other smiled at them.
- Avoid Using Reciprocal Pronouns as Subjects
Since reciprocal pronouns are always objects, they should not be used as subjects in a sentence. Instead, the subjects should be the people or things performing the action.
Correct:
John and Sarah are talking to each other.
Incorrect:
Each other is talking to John and Sarah.
- Using Reciprocal Pronouns with More Than Two Entities
In everyday English, each other can refer to more than two people or things, though some style guides suggest using one another for situations involving three or more entities. However, the distinction is often subtle, and many speakers use them interchangeably.
Correct:
The members of the band supported each other during the tour.
The committee members disagreed with one another on several points.
- The Possessive Form of Reciprocal Pronouns
“Each other and one another can also be used in their possessive form. This form expresses the idea of possession or ownership in a shared context.
Examples:
The students looked over each other’s notes.
The countries signed one another’s agreements.
34 Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in English
Rachel and Ross love each other.
The coaches spoke to each other about the game strategy.
The children helped each other with their homework.
Romeo and Juliet are in love with each other.
The team members supported one another through the tournament.
The neighbors greeted each other warmly.
The students shared their notes with one another.
The guests were laughing at one another’s jokes.
The dogs played with each other in the park.
They spoke to each other for hours on the phone.
The workers praised one another for their hard work.
The couples danced with each other at the wedding.
The children were helping each other clean up the mess.
They were discussing their plans with one another.
The managers worked with each other to resolve the issue.
The singers harmonized with one another on stage.
The teammates encouraged each other to do their best.
We all congratulated one another on our success.
The artists collaborated with each other on the project.
The students looked over each other’s homework.
The workers supported one another during the tough times.
The friends shared their ideas with each other.
The teachers exchanged knowledge with one another.
The family members trusted each other with their secrets.
The leaders of the countries respected one another’s views.
They were speaking in whispers to each other.
The actors helped each other prepare for the scene.
The parents are teaching each other how to handle the kids.
The doctors discussed the patient’s condition with one another.
The players were congratulating each other after the match. We all smiled at each other when the surprise was revealed. The band members were giving advice to each other. The neighbors helped one another during the storm. The hikers supported each other throughout the difficult journey.
Common Mistakes with Reciprocal Pronouns in English
Despite being a small part of English grammar, reciprocal pronouns can cause confusion for learners. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
Mistake 1: Confusing Reflexive Pronouns with Reciprocal Pronouns
It’s important to distinguish between reciprocal pronouns and reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns indicate that the subject is performing an action on itself (e.g., “I hurt myself”). In contrast, reciprocal pronouns indicate mutual actions between two or more subjects (e.g., “They helped each other”).
Example:
Reciprocal pronoun: “Jenny and Kenny hugged each other.”
Reflexive pronoun: “Jenny and Kenny hugged themselves.”
Mistake 2: Misusing Reciprocal Pronouns as Subjects
As mentioned earlier, reciprocal pronouns should never be used as subjects. Always ensure that the reciprocal pronoun follows the verb and represents the object of the action.
Incorrect:
“Each other helped the team win the game.”
(It should be: “They helped each other win the game.”)
Mistake 3: Overusing “One Another”
While some style guides suggest using “one another” when more than two people are involved, in everyday usage, “each other” is frequently used to refer to groups of more than two. It’s fine to use “each other” regardless of the number of people, especially in informal contexts.
Example: “The students all congratulated each other on their success.”
(This is fine even though the group includes more than two people.)
FAQ on Reciprocal Pronouns
Q1: Can “each other” and “one another” be used interchangeably?
Yes, in most cases, each other and one another can be used interchangeably. However, some grammar experts suggest using each other when referring to two people and one another for more than two. In everyday use, this distinction is often not strictly followed.
Q2: How do I know when to use reciprocal pronouns?
Reciprocal pronouns are used when two or more subjects perform an action toward one another. If the action is mutual, you need a reciprocal pronoun. For example, in “They looked at each other,” the action of looking is shared between the two people.
Q3: Are there more than two reciprocal pronouns in English?
No, in English, there are only two reciprocal pronouns: each other and one another.
Conclusion
Mastering reciprocal pronouns is an important step in understanding English grammar and improving your communication skills. By using each other and one another correctly, you can express mutual relationships and actions clearly and effectively.Remember that reciprocal pronouns are always used as objects, and they express actions that are performed mutually by two or more subjects. Avoid confusing them with reflexive pronouns, and be mindful of the possessive forms for added clarity in your sentences. With a little practice, you’ll be able to incorporate reciprocal pronouns seamlessly into your conversations and writing
