Guide to Reciprocal Pronouns – TOEIC® Preparation

In English, reciprocal pronouns are used to express that an action is mutually exerted between several people or elements. The English language only has two forms of reciprocal pronouns: each other and one another. Mastering their use is essential for success in the grammar sections of the TOEIC®.

In which situations should you use each other and one another?

Reciprocal pronouns are generally positioned directly after the verb in the sentence. Although these two expressions fulfill an identical function and can often be substituted for one another, a traditional rule distinguishes them:

Each other applies when referring to two people or two elements.
- Sarah and Mike help each other.(Sarah and Mike help each other.)
One another is used when speaking of three or more people.
- The colleagues support one another.(The colleagues support each other mutually.)

However, in contemporary usage, this differentiation tends to fade, and each other is frequently accepted in all contexts, regardless of the number of participants.

How to show possession with reciprocal pronouns?

Reciprocal pronouns can take an "'s" to indicate a possessive relationship between the people involved.

They read each other's emails.(They read each other's emails.)
The students checked one another's answers.(The students checked one another's answers.)

Distinction between reciprocal pronouns and reflexive pronouns

It is crucial not to confuse reciprocal pronouns with reflexive pronouns, as their meanings fundamentally differ.

Reciprocal pronouns convey a mutual interaction between the subjects.
- They email each other regularly. => (Reciprocal interaction)(They email each other regularly.)
Reflexive pronouns indicate that the subject performs the action on itself.
- She talks to herself when stressed. => (Reflexive action)(She talks to herself when she is stressed.)

You can delve deeper into this distinction by consulting our course dedicated to reflexive pronouns

Summary

English reciprocal pronouns, each other and one another, allow for the translation of a reciprocity of action between two or more participants. Although a classic distinction exists based on the number of entities involved, modern English considers them largely interchangeable. They are placed after the main verb and accept the possessive marker 's to express belonging. Be careful not to confuse them with reflexive pronouns, which refer to an action the subject performs on itself rather than towards others.

Other courses on pronouns

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