Reciprocal Pronouns: An Easy Guide

What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?

Reciprocal pronouns are used when two or more people or things perform an action and also receive the action in return. It’s a way to show that the action is mutual, meaning everyone involved does the same thing to each other.

List of Reciprocal Pronouns

There are only two reciprocal pronouns in English:

Examples in Sentences

• Each Other:
  • Sarah and Tom smiled at each other.
  • The players congratulated each other after the match.
• One Another:
  • The students shared their ideas with one another.
  • In the meeting, the team members supported one another.

How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences

• When to Use “Each Other”:
  • “Each other” is often used when talking about two people or things.
  • Example: Anna and Mark gave each other gifts.
• When to Use “One Another”:
  • “One another” is often used when talking about more than two people or things.
  • Example: The neighbors looked out for one another during the storm.
• Simple Rule:
  • Both “each other” and “one another” can sometimes be used interchangeably, but it’s a good habit to use “each other” for two and “one another” for more than two.

Using Reciprocal Pronoun

• “Each Other”:
  • Explanation: Use “each other” when talking about actions between two people or things.
  • Example: The twins always tell each other secrets.
• “One Another”:
  • Explanation: Use “one another” when talking about actions involving more than two people or things.
  • Example: The team members respect one another’s opinions.

Uses of Reciprocal Pronoun

• Expressing Mutual Actions:
  • Reciprocal pronouns are mainly used to show that two or more people or things are doing something to each other.
  • Example: The dogs chased each other around the yard.
• Showing Relationships:
  • They help describe the relationship or interaction between people or groups.
  • Example: The neighbors always greet one another warmly.

Read More About “Interrogative Pronouns“

Summary

Reciprocal pronouns, “each other” and “one another,” are used to show that actions are shared between two or more people or things. Use “each other” for two, and “one another” for more than two, though they can often be used interchangeably. They help describe mutual actions and relationships in a simple and clear way.

FAQs for Reciprocal Pronoun 

What are reciprocal pronouns?

These are pronouns used to indicate that two or more people or things are performing an action on each other. The two main reciprocal pronouns in English are “each other” and “one another.”

How many reciprocal pronouns are there in English?

There are two reciprocal pronouns in English: “each other” and “one another.”

What is the difference between “each other” and “one another”?

“Each other” is generally used when referring to two people or things, while “one another” is used when referring to more than two. However, they are often used interchangeably.

Can “each other” and “one another” be used interchangeably?

Yes, in many cases, “each other” and “one another” can be used interchangeably, though traditionally “each other” is for two and “one another” is for more than two.

How do you use “each other” in a sentence?

Example: “The children hugged each other.” This shows that the action is mutual between the two children.

How do you use “one another” in a sentence?

Example: “The students shared their notes with one another.” This indicates that more than two students exchanged notes among themselves.

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