What is the Difference Between Reciprocal and Reflexive Pronouns?
Reciprocal pronouns in English grammar help show when two or more people act in the same way toward each other. This topic is important for schoolwork, exams, and makes both writing and daily conversation clearer and less repetitive.
| Reciprocal Pronoun | Usage Example |
|---|---|
| Each other | Riya and Maya trust each other. |
| One another | The team members helped one another during the match. |
What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?
Reciprocal pronouns are used when two or more people do the same action to each other. The main reciprocal pronouns in English are “each other” and “one another.” They prevent repetition and create smoother sentences in speaking and writing.
List of Reciprocal Pronouns
- Each other
- One another
10 Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences
- Anil and Sunita greet each other every morning.
- The classmates supported one another during the project.
- We share our books with each other.
- The players congratulated one another after the match.
- My sisters often borrow clothes from each other.
- The students blame one another when something goes wrong.
- Both friends called each other at the same time.
- The teams respected one another’s strengths.
- Priya and Nikhil smiled at each other in the hall.
- Families in the neighborhood help one another during festivals.
Rules and Usage Tips for Reciprocal Pronouns
- Use “each other” when referring to two people or things.
- Use “one another” when referring to more than two.
- Both pronouns can usually be used interchangeably in modern English.
- Possessive forms are “each other’s” and “one another’s”, not “each others’”.
- Reciprocal pronouns act as objects in sentences, showing mutual action.
Reciprocal Pronouns vs. Other Pronouns
| Pronoun Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocal | Mutual action | They called each other. |
| Reflexive | Subject and object are same | She hurt herself. |
| Relative | Connects clause | That is the boy who won. |
| Distributive | Refers to individuals in group | Each of the boys was ready. |
Practice Exercises: Fill in the Blanks
- The dogs chased _________ around the yard. (each other/one another)
- The children took care of _________ during the trip. (each other/one another)
- All the teams cheered for _________ at the competition. (each other/one another)
Answers: 1. each other, 2. each other, 3. one another
Summary of Reciprocal Pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another” describe actions done mutually by two or more people. They make English sentences clearer and more natural. Learning to use them helps with school grammar, speaking, and writing. With Vedantu’s explanations and examples, students gain the confidence to use reciprocal pronouns correctly in any context.
FAQs on Reciprocal Pronouns: Meaning, Examples & Rules
1. What are reciprocal pronouns in English?
Reciprocal pronouns are words that show a mutual action or relationship between two or more people or things. The most common are "each other" (for two) and "one another" (for more than two). They indicate that the action is done by each participant to the others.
2. What is the difference between reflexive and reciprocal pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns (e.g., myself, himself, themselves) refer back to the subject of the sentence. The action is performed by the subject on itself. Reciprocal pronouns, on the other hand, indicate a mutual action between two or more subjects. The action is done by each subject to the others.
3. Can you give 10 examples of reciprocal pronouns in sentences?
Here are 10 examples:
1. The twins love each other.
2. The team members helped one another.
3. The dogs chased each other.
4. The students copied one another's answers (possessive).
5. They blamed each other for the mistake.
6. The birds fed one another.
7. The friends hugged each other.
8. We often understand each other.
9. The cats fought one another fiercely.
10. They often write each other letters.
4. When do we use “each other” and “one another”?
Generally, "each other" is used when referring to two people or things, while "one another" is used for three or more. However, this rule is not strictly enforced, and many native speakers use them interchangeably. Consider the context and style for a smoother flow.
5. How to use reciprocal pronouns in grammar?
Use reciprocal pronouns when two or more participants are involved in a mutual action. Ensure the pronoun agrees with the number of participants in the sentence. In a possessive case, use each other's or one another's.
6. Are there only two reciprocal pronouns in English?
Yes, the primary reciprocal pronouns in English are "each other" and "one another."
7. Do reciprocal pronouns work with singular or only plural subjects?
Reciprocal pronouns usually work with plural subjects (two or more). However, context sometimes allows their use with singular subjects when referring to separate parts of a whole (e.g., "The two halves complemented each other.").
8. Can reciprocal pronouns be the object of a preposition?
Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be the object of a preposition. For example: "They looked at each other." or "They argued amongst one another."
9. What are the most common mistakes students make when using reciprocal pronouns?
Common mistakes include: using the wrong pronoun ("each other" instead of "one another," or vice versa); incorrect possessive form (e.g., using "each others'" instead of "each other's"); and using reciprocal pronouns when the action isn't mutual.
10. Can you use reciprocal pronouns for non-human entities?
Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be used to refer to non-human entities, particularly when they are acting in a mutual or reciprocal way. For example: "The two planets orbited each other." or "The plants competed with one another for sunlight."
11. What is the possessive form of reciprocal pronouns?
The possessive forms are each other's and one another's. Note the placement of the apostrophe.
12. How are reciprocal pronouns translated in other languages (e.g., Spanish, French)?
The translation of reciprocal pronouns varies across languages. In Spanish, for example, "each other" might be translated as "el uno al otro" or similar constructions depending on the context and verb conjugation. In French, it would be similar, varying on the situation and agreement.
