A reciprocal pronoun is a special type of pronoun that we use when two or more people or things are doing the same action to each other. It shows that the action is happening mutually or reciprocally between them.
For example, let’s consider the sentence: “Tom and Jerry hugged each other.” In this sentence, the reciprocal pronoun “each other” shows that Tom hugged Jerry, and Jerry hugged Tom. The action of hugging is happening between them mutually.
Reciprocal pronouns help us avoid repeating the names or nouns of the people or things involved in the action. Instead, we use reciprocal pronouns to show that the action is happening between them in a back-and-forth manner.
Here are a few more examples of sentences using reciprocal pronouns:
“We helped one another with our homework.” (We helped each other.)
“The two teams competed against each other in the match.” (The teams competed against each other.)
“Sara and Emily called each other on the phone.” (Sara called Emily, and Emily called Sara.)
Importance of reciprocal pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns are important because they allow us to express actions that involve mutual or reciprocal relationships between two or more people or things. By using reciprocal pronouns, we can make our sentences clearer and more concise.
Purpose of Reciprocal Pronoun
The purpose of a reciprocal pronoun is to show that an action is happening mutually or reciprocally between two or more people or things. It helps us express relationships where each person or thing is doing the same action to the other(s). By using a reciprocal pronoun, we can avoid repeating the names or nouns involved in the action, making our sentences shorter and more concise.
List of Reciprocal Pronouns
Here is a list of common reciprocal pronouns:
1. Each other: Used when referring to two people or things.
Example: The friends hugged each other.
2. One another: Used when referring to more than two people or things.
Example: The team members supported one another.
Examples and Usage of Each Other
“Tom and Jerry hugged each other.”
In this sentence, “each other” is used to show that both Tom and Jerry hugged one another. The action of hugging is happening mutually between them.
“The siblings helped each other with their chores.”
Here, “each other” indicates that the siblings helped one another. They all contributed to each other’s chores, showing a mutual exchange of assistance.
“The birds chirped to each other from the trees.”
In this example, “each other” demonstrates that the birds communicated by chirping to one another. The chirping is a mutual interaction between them.
“The students in the group worked together and supported each other.”
“Each other” in this sentence signifies that the students worked collectively and provided support to one another. They engaged in a mutual effort and assistance.
“The cats groomed each other to stay clean.”
Here, “each other” is used to express that the cats groomed one another. They cleaned each other’s fur in a reciprocal manner.
Examples and usage of “one another”
“The members of the team supported one another during the game.”
In this sentence, “one another” indicates that each team member provided support to the others. They all helped and encouraged each other, emphasizing their mutual support.
“The students in the class helped one another with their assignments.”
Here, “one another” signifies that the students assisted and supported each other in completing their assignments. They worked collaboratively, showing a reciprocal exchange of help.
“The flowers in the garden leaned towards one another, seeking sunlight.”
In this example, “one another” suggests that the flowers leaned towards each other. They were all striving to receive sunlight, creating a mutual movement among them.
“The friends shared their snacks with one another during the picnic.”
Here, “one another” indicates that each friend shared their snacks with the others. They all engaged in a reciprocal sharing of food, highlighting their mutual generosity.
“The participants in the discussion listened attentively to one another’s ideas.”
In this sentence, “one another” signifies that each participant listened attentively to the ideas of others. They all respected and acknowledged each other’s contributions, creating a reciprocal exchange of ideas.
Reciprocal pronouns exercises and questions
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with the appropriate reciprocal pronoun (each other or one another).
The students in the class helped _______ with their assignments.
Answer: one another
Sarah and Tom smiled at _______ as they passed by.
Answer: each other
The team members encouraged _______ during the competition.
Answer: one another
The siblings shared their toys with _______.
Answer: each other
The birds in the trees chirped to _______.
Answer: one another
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with a reciprocal pronoun.
Sara and John hugged each other tightly.
Answer: Sara and John hugged one another tightly.
The friends supported each other during difficult times.
Answer: The friends supported one another during difficult times.
Each of the team members congratulated the others on their success.
Answer: Each of the team members congratulated one another on their success.
The neighbors gave presents to each other on Christmas.
Answer: The neighbors gave presents to one another on Christmas.
The participants in the race cheered for each other.
Answer: The participants in the race cheered for one another.
Frequently Asked Questions on Reciprocal Pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns are words used to indicate a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more people or things. The most common reciprocal pronouns are “each other” and “one another.”
Generally, “each other” is used when referring to two people or things, while “one another” is used when referring to more than two. However, in many cases, “each other” and “one another” can be used interchangeably.
Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be used with both singular and plural subjects. “Each other” is used with two subjects, and “one another” is used with more than two subjects.
No, reciprocal pronouns cannot be used with reflexive pronouns. Reciprocal pronouns are “each other” and “one another,” while reflexive pronouns are words like “myself,” “yourself,” and “themselves.”
No, “each other” and “one another” are the commonly used reciprocal pronouns in English. They cover the majority of reciprocal relationships.
Reciprocal pronouns are typically used to refer to living beings. However, in some cases, they can be used metaphorically to describe the interaction or relationship between non-living objects.
Also, read:
Some online resources:
- What Is A Reciprocal Pronoun? Definition And Examples – thesaurus.com
- What Is a Reciprocal Pronoun? Examples, Meaning, and Usage – yourdictionary.com
- Reciprocal pronoun – Wikipedia
- Types of Pronouns in English Grammar – Reciprocal Pronouns – Magnet Brains
- Each Other and One Another | Reciprocal Pronouns Detail English by Kapil Dev Sharma
