Reciprocal pronouns are used to show that two or more people are doing something to each other. In English, there are only two reciprocal pronouns:
- each other
- one another
While some grammar guides suggest using "each other" for two people and "one another" for more than two, this distinction is not strictly enforced in modern English. Both can be used interchangeably.
Here are some examples:
- The two teams congratulated each other/one another after the game. (This means each team congratulated the other team, and the other team congratulated the first team.)
- The students helped each other/one another with their homework. (This means each student helped the other students, and the other students helped that student.)
- They love each other/one another very much. (This means they love each other mutually.)
Key points to remember:
- Reciprocal pronouns always refer to more than one person or thing.
- They indicate a mutual action or relationship.
- "Each other" and "one another" can generally be used interchangeably.
Posts
