Reciprocal Pronoun

What is a Reciprocal Pronoun?

A reciprocal pronoun is a type of pronoun that is used to denote a mutual relationship between two people. For example, We often talk to each other on the phone.

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns

How are Reciprocal Pronouns Used?

1. Reciprocal pronouns are only used as the object of the sentence and not the subject. For example, ‘Ashley and Susan often lend clothes to each other’. In this sentence, ‘each other’ is the object.
2. We can use both ‘each other’ and ‘one another’ as possessive words. For example, ‘Friends should respect each other’s boundaries.’
3. Reciprocal pronouns can only be used if there are at least two nouns. For example, Jack and Michael are playing with each other. In this sentence ‘Jack’ and ‘Michael’ are the two nouns.

Is there any Difference Between ‘Each Other’ and ‘One Another’?

1. In terms of grammar, ‘each other’ and ‘one another’ effectively mean the same thing. These pronouns are used to indicate that each member of a group does something for each other.
2. ‘Each other’ is a frequently used reciprocal pronoun but is less formal.
3. ‘One another’ is a reciprocal pronoun that is used less and is more formal in comparison to ‘each other’.

Click Here to Read About: Interrogative Pronoun

Reciprocal Pronouns vs Indefinite Pronouns

1. Words like ‘each other’ and ‘one another’ are reciprocal pronouns. But, when we separate them like each, other, one or another, they act as singular indefinite pronouns.
2. Indefinite pronoun example, Each bought their own stationeries.
3. Reciprocal pronoun example, We should respect each other’s opinions.

Reciprocal Pronouns vs Reflexive Pronouns

1. In reciprocal pronouns both the nouns receive the action equally. Reflexive pronouns, on the other hand, don’t always receive the action equally.
2. Reflexive pronoun example, We organised this event all by ourselves.
3. Reciprocal pronoun example, They gave each other thoughtful gifts.

Common Mistakes with Reciprocal Pronouns

1. Students may use reciprocal pronouns as the subject of a sentence. For example, they may write ‘Each other hugged’ which is an incorrect sentence. The correct sentence is ‘They hugged each other’.
2. Students often get confused with reflexive pronouns and interrogative pronouns.

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns Used in Sentences

→ Friends should always help one another.
→ They often chat with each other online.
→ People should help one another during a crisis.
→ David and Patrick asked each other questions.
→ They supported one another during tough times.

FAQs

1. What are reciprocal pronouns?

Answer: Reciprocal pronouns are pronouns that are used to denote a mutual relationship between two people. For example, They scared each other.

2. How many reciprocal pronouns are there?

Answer: There are two reciprocal pronouns i.e. each other and one another.