Reciprocal Pronouns: Definition, Rules, Examples and Exercises

Have you ever said, ‘We help each other,’ or ‘They respect one another’? If yes, you have already used a reciprocal pronoun without even knowing it! Reciprocal pronouns are a small but very important part of English grammar. They help us express mutual actions, actions where two or more people do the same thing to each other without repeating ourselves.

In English, there are only two reciprocal pronouns, ‘each other’ and ‘one another’. Even though there are just two, knowing when and how to use them correctly makes your writing and speaking much clearer and more natural.

This article covers everything you need to know about reciprocal pronouns, including the definition, rules, examples, and exercises.

Table of Contents

• What are Reciprocal Pronouns?
• Rules and Usage Tips for Reciprocal Pronouns
• Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences
• Reciprocal Pronouns vs Reflexive Pronouns
• Reciprocal Pronouns Exercises

What are Reciprocal Pronouns?

A reciprocal pronoun is a type of pronoun used when two or more people carry out the same action towards each other at the same time. The word ‘reciprocal’ itself means ‘given, felt, or done in return.’ So, reciprocal pronouns express a two-way relationship or a mutual exchange.

There are only two reciprocal pronouns in the English language:

• Each other

• One another

These pronouns are extremely useful because they help avoid unnecessary repetition in a sentence. Instead of saying ‘Alex helped Sam and Sam helped Alex,’ you can simply say ‘Alex and Sam helped each other.’

Definition of a Reciprocal Pronoun

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the word ‘reciprocal’ means ‘involving two people or groups who agree to help each other or behave in the same way towards each other.’

Applied to grammar, a reciprocal pronoun is defined as: "A pronoun that is used to indicate a mutual relationship between two or more subjects, where each performs the same action towards the other."

 

Rules and Usage Tips for Reciprocal Pronouns

Knowing the definition is one thing, but using reciprocal pronouns correctly requires understanding a few key rules. Here are the most important guidelines:

• Rule 1: Use ‘Each Other’ for Two People
  When the action is between exactly two people or things, use each other.
  Examples: 

• • The two sisters called each other every evening.

  • Maria and Juan gave each other gold rings on their wedding day.

• Rule 2: Use ‘One Another’ for More Than Two People
  When the action is among three or more people or things, use one another.
  Examples: 

• • The students congratulated one another after giving their speeches.

  • The team members supported one another throughout the project.

• Rule 3: Reciprocal Pronouns Cannot Be Used as Subjects
  Reciprocal pronouns always function as objects in a sentence, never as the subject.

• • Incorrect: Each other were happy.

  • Correct: They were happy with each other.

• Rule 4: They Can Be Possessive
  Reciprocal pronouns can be made possessive by adding ‘s to them.
  Examples: 

• • The students borrowed each other’s notes before the exam.

  • They wore one another’s jerseys for team spirit.

• Rule 5: Must Refer to the Same Action
  The action expressed must be mutual; both parties must be doing the same thing to each other for a reciprocal pronoun to be appropriate.
  Example: They trust each other.
  Here, Person A trusts Person B, and Person B trusts Person A; the action is mutual.

 

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences

Let’s look at a variety of reciprocal pronoun examples to see how they are used in real sentences.

• Rachel and Ross love each other.

• Terry and Jack were talking to each other in the hallway.

• We give each other gifts during the holidays.

• My brother and I shared each other’s clothes growing up.

• The neighbours helped each other clean the street.

• The children read each other’s stories aloud.

• The students congratulated one another after the exam.

• The kids spent the afternoon kicking the ball to one another.

• The defendants blamed one another for the crime.

• The members of the club greeted one another warmly.

• The teammates encouraged one another during training.

 

Reciprocal Pronouns vs Reflexive Pronouns

Here is a quick comparison about reciprocal pronouns and reflexive pronouns.

 Learn more, "What Are Pronouns? Types and Examples Explained"

Reciprocal Pronouns Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blank with the correct reciprocal pronoun (each other / one another):

1. They were not able to see _____________.

2. Davis and Ally could not stand _____________.

3. Fred and Jess gave _____________ gifts.

4. The team members trusted _____________ completely.

5. The four friends reminded _____________ about the homework.

Answers:

1. each other

2. each other

3. each other

4. each other

5. one another

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Some of these sentences have errors. Rewrite the incorrect ones:

1. Each other were happy at the party.

2. The two brothers supported one another.

3. They borrowed each other’s books.

4. Each other helped in the project.

5. The classmates listened one another carefully.

Answers:

1. They were happy at the party.

2. The two brothers supported one another.

3. They borrowed each other’s books.

4. They helped each other in the project.

5. The classmates listened to one another carefully.

Exercise 3: Rewrite Using Reciprocal Pronouns

Rewrite the following sentences using a reciprocal pronoun to avoid repetition:

1. Sarah helped Tom and Tom helped Sarah.

2. The students encouraged each student in the group.

3. A likes B and B likes A.

4. The neighbours greeted the neighbours when they met.

5. The teammates supported the other teammates during the match.

Answers:

1. Sarah and Tom helped each other.

2. The students encouraged one another.

3. A and B like each other.

4. The neighbours greeted one another.

5. The teammates supported one another during the match.