Understanding Reciprocal Pronouns: The Power of ‘Each Other’ and ‘One Another

In the world of English grammar, reciprocal pronouns play a crucial role in expressing mutual actions or relationships between two or more subjects. Whether you’re looking to enhance your spoken English or improve your writing skills, understanding reciprocal pronouns is key. But what exactly are reciprocal pronouns? In simple terms, reciprocal pronouns are used when two or more people perform an action towards each other. The most common reciprocal pronouns in English are “each other” and “one another”. If you’ve ever wondered how to use these pronouns correctly or are looking for reciprocal pronoun definition and examples, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we will explore the definition of reciprocal pronouns, along with examples and practical tips for incorporating them into both spoken and written English.

 

What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?

Reciprocal pronouns are a specific type of pronoun used to indicate that two or more subjects are performing an action toward each other. The two main reciprocal pronouns in English are “each other” and “one another”. These pronouns express a mutual relationship or interaction between the subjects involved in the sentence. For example, in the sentence, “The students helped each other,” the reciprocal pronoun “each other” shows that the students were helping one another.

 

Definition of Reciprocal Pronouns

A reciprocal pronoun is a type of pronoun used to indicate that two or more subjects are performing an action on each other. The most common reciprocal pronouns in English are “each other” and “one another.” These pronouns express mutual actions or relationships between the subjects.

परस्पर (Reciprocal) सर्वनाम वह प्रकार का सर्वनाम होता है, जिसका इस्तेमाल दो या दो से ज़्यादा लोगों के बीच आपसी actions को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है। हिंदी में “एक-दूसरे” और “आपस में” आमतौर पर परस्पर सर्वनाम के रूप में इस्तेमाल होते हैं।

Example: They helped each other during the project. 

                The two friends spoke to one another after years of silence.

                उन्होंने एक-दूसरे की मदद की।

                दोस्तों ने आपस में बातें की।

 

Common Reciprocal Pronouns: “Each Other” and “One Another”

In English, the two most commonly used reciprocal pronouns are “each other” and “one another”. These pronouns are used to express mutual actions or relationships between two or more people or things.

 

Use and Functions of Reciprocal Pronoun

Given are the uses and functions of reciprocal pronouns like each other and one another.

 

Each Other (एक-दूसरे)

Use: “Each other” is generally used when referring to two people or things. It emphasizes a mutual action or feeling shared between the two subjects.

इसका इस्तेमाल दो इंसानों या चीज़ों के बीच आपसी action या संबंध दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।

Example: The two friends looked at each other and smiled.

Here, both individuals are performing the action of looking and smiling in a shared, reciprocal way.

 

One Another (एक-दूसरे को)

Use: “One another” is typically used when referring to three or more people or things. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, “one another” tends to be favored for larger groups, though this is not a strict rule.

इसका इस्तेमाल तीन या उससे ज़्यादा लोगों या चीज़ों के बीच आपसी action या संबंध दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।

Example: The team members helped one another during the project.

This shows a reciprocal relationship among all members of the team.

 

Difference Between “Each Other” and “One Another” :

Number of Subjects: The key difference is that “each other” is generally used for two subjects, while “one another” is used for three or more. However, many speakers use these terms interchangeably, especially in informal contexts, and the distinction is not always rigid.

Preference in Usage: In formal writing, you might find “one another” used for groups, but in spoken language, “each other” is frequently used for both two and more than two subjects.

 

Each other (एक-दूसरे) का इस्तेमाल आमतौर पर दो इंसानों या चीजों के बीच आपसी क्रिया या संबंध के लिए किया जाता है। 

उदाहरण: वे एक-दूसरे के गालों पर रंग लगाते हैं।

 

One another (एक-दूसरे को) का इस्तेमाल तीन या तीन से ज़्यादा इंसानों या चीजों के बीच आपसी क्रिया या संबंध के लिए किया जाता है।

उदाहरण: Office में लोगों ने एक-दूसरे को मदद दी।

 

हालांकि, दोनों का इस्तेमाल एक ही meaning दिखाने के लिए भी किया जा सकता है, पर असल में “each other” दो के लिए और “one another” तीन या ज़्यादा के लिए इस्तेमाल किया जाता है।

 

Difference Between Reciprocal and Reflexive Pronouns

Reciprocal pronouns and reflexive pronouns are both used to indicate actions involving the subject, but they serve different purposes. Reciprocal pronouns, such as “each other” and “one another”, are used when two or more people or things perform an action on one another. This means the action is mutual or shared. For example, in the sentence “They help each other,” the action of helping is being exchanged between two or more people.

 

On the other hand, reflexive pronouns (like “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “themselves”) refer back to the subject of the sentence. Usually when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same, then this pronoun comes into use. For example, in the sentence “She looked at herself in the mirror,” the action of looking is done by the subject (She) upon herself. Reflexive pronouns emphasize that the action is performed by the subject on itself, while reciprocal pronouns indicate a mutual action between two or more subjects.

 

पारस्परिक (Reciprocal) और प्रत्ययात्मक (Reflexive) सर्वनामों में अंतर यह है कि दोनों का इस्तेमाल verb के संदर्भ में किया जाता है, लेकिन इनका उद्देश्य अलग होता है। Reciprocal सर्वनाम, जैसे “एक-दूसरे” और “एक-दूसरे को”, तब इस्तेमाल होते हैं जब दो या दो से ज़्यादा इंसानों या चीज़ों के बीच आपसी कोई action होता है। इसका मतलब है कि action एक दूसरे पर किया जाता है। उदाहरण के लिए, वाक्य “वे एक-दूसरे की मदद करते हैं” में मदद करने का काम आपस में दो या दो से ज़्यादा इंसानों के बीच साझा किया जा रहा है। वहीं reflexive सर्वनाम (जैसे “खुद,” “तुम्हारे आप,” “उसने खुद,” “हमने खुद,” “वे खुद”) तब इस्तेमाल होते हैं जब वाक्य में subject और action एक ही होते हैं। इसका मतलब है कि subject ने action ख़ुद पर किया है। उदाहरण के लिए, वाक्य “वह आईने में अपने आप को देख रही थी” में “वह” ख़ुद पर कोई काम कर रही है। Reflexive सर्वनाम verb को subject द्वारा ख़ुद पर करने को दिखाता है, जबकि reciprocal सर्वनाम आपसी action को दिखाता है जो दो या ज़्यादा इंसानों के बीच होती है।’

 

How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns Correctly

1. Use reciprocal pronouns when two or more subjects perform a mutual action.

Reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another” are used when two or more people or things are involved in a shared action or feeling. For example, “They greeted each other warmly.”

Reciprocal सर्वनाम तब इस्तेमाल होते हैं जब दो या दो से ज़्यादा इंसान या चीज़ें आपस में कोई काम में शामिल होते हैं। जैसे, “वे एक-दूसरे से गर्मजोशी से मिले।”

 

2. Use “each other” when referring to two subjects.

“Each other” is most commonly used when there are only two people or things involved in the action. For example, “The friends helped each other.”

“एक-दूसरे” का इस्तेमाल तब किया जाता है जब किसी भी काम में केवल दो इंसान या चीज़ें शामिल हों। जैसे, “दोस्तों ने एक-दूसरे की मदद की।”

 

3. Use “one another” when referring to three or more subjects.

“One another” is generally preferred when the action involves more than two people or things. For example, “The team members supported one another during the competition.”

“एक-दूसरे को” का इस्तेमाल तब किया जाता है जब किसी काम में तीन या तीन से ज़्यादा इंसान या चीज़ें शामिल होती हैं। जैसे, “टीम के सदस्यों ने प्रतियोगिता के दौरान एक-दूसरे का साथ दिया।”

 

4. Reciprocal pronouns are used in both positive and negative sentences.

Reciprocal pronouns can appear in both affirmative and negative contexts. For example, “They don’t talk to each other anymore.”

Reciprocal सर्वनाम affirmative और negative दोनों वाक्यों में इस्तेमाल किए जा सकते हैं। जैसे, “वे अब एक-दूसरे से बात नहीं करते।”

 

5. Ensure subject-verb agreement when using reciprocal pronouns.

The verb must agree with the subject when using reciprocal pronouns. For example, “They look at each other,” not “They look at each other.”

जब आप reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल करते हैं, तो subject और verb में तालमेल होना चाहिए। जैसे, “वे एक-दूसरे को देखते हैं,” न कि “वे एक-दूसरे को देखता है।”

 

6. Avoid using reciprocal pronouns with inanimate objects or actions that are not mutual.

Reciprocal pronouns should not be used for non-living things or actions that do not involve mutual interaction. For example, “The book was on the table” cannot use a reciprocal pronoun.

Reciprocal सर्वनामों का इस्तेमाल बेजान चीज़ों या ऐसी काम के लिए नहीं करना चाहिए जो mutual न हों। जैसे, “किताब मेज़ पर थी,” में reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल नहीं किया जा सकता।

 

Verbs That Are Commonly Used with Reciprocal Pronouns

Here are some verbs that are commonly used with the reciprocal pronoun.

 

Help

English: They help each other with their homework.

Hindi: वे एक-दूसरे की होमवर्क में मदद करते हैं।

 

Talk

English: The siblings talk to each other every day.

Hindi: भाई-बहन एक-दूसरे से हर दिन बात करते हैं।

 

Fight

English: The children often fight with each other.

Hindi: बच्चे अक्सर एक-दूसरे से लड़ते हैं।

 

Trust

English: They trust one another completely.

Hindi: वे एक-दूसरे पर पूरी तरह से विश्वास करते हैं।

 

Look at

English: The friends looked at each other in surprise.

Hindi: दोस्त एक-दूसरे को हैरान होकर देखते हैं।

 

Blame

English: They blamed each other for the mistake.

Hindi: उन्होंने गलती के लिए एक-दूसरे को दोषी ठहराया।

 

Fight

English: The two teams are fighting with each other for the trophy.

Hindi: दो टीमें trophy के लिए एक-दूसरे से लड़ रही हैं।

 

Love

English: They love each other dearly.

Hindi: वे एक-दूसरे से बहुत प्यार करते हैं।

 

Hate

English: The two neighbors hate each other.

Hindi: दो पड़ोसी एक-दूसरे से नफरत करते हैं।

 

Respect

English: The employees respect one another’s opinions.

Hindi: कर्मचारी एक-दूसरे के विचारों का सम्मान करते हैं।

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Reciprocal Pronouns

Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid using the reciprocal pronoun.

 

1. Misplacing the Reciprocal Pronoun

English: They helped each other to finish the project. (Incorrect)

Correct: They helped each other finish the project.

Hindi: उन्होंने एक-दूसरे को project खत्म करने में मदद की।

 

2. Using a Reciprocal Pronoun with a Singular Subject

English: John and Mary loves each other. (Incorrect)

Correct: John and Mary love each other.

Hindi: John और Mary एक-दूसरे से प्यार करते हैं। 

 

3. Using Reciprocal Pronouns with Non-Mutual Actions

English: The teacher helped each other with the lesson. (Incorrect)

Correct: The teacher and the students helped each other with the lesson.

Hindi: अध्यापक ने एक-दूसरे को पाठ में मदद की। 

 

4. Confusing Each Other and One Another

English: The group of friends exchanged gifts with each other. (Incorrect for a group)

Correct: The group of friends exchanged gifts with one another.

Hindi: दोस्तों के समूह ने एक-दूसरे को उपहार दिए।

 

5. Using Reciprocal Pronouns with Inanimate Objects

English: The books were stacked on each other. (Incorrect)

Correct: The books were stacked on top of each other.

Hindi: किताबें एक-दूसरे के ऊपर रखी गईं।

 

6. Not Using Reciprocal Pronouns When They Are Needed

English: They talked for hours. (Missing reciprocal pronoun)

Correct: They talked to each other for hours.

Hindi: उन्होंने घंटों तक एक-दूसरे से बात की।

 

7. Incorrect Word Order with Reciprocal Pronouns

English: They each other respect. (Incorrect word order)

Correct: They respect each other.

Hindi: वे एक-दूसरे का सम्मान करते हैं।

 

8. Overuse of Reciprocal Pronouns in Long Sentences

English: John and Mary, who had known each other for years, decided to help each other with the project that they were working on together. (Overused)

Correct: John and Mary decided to help each other with the project.

Hindi: John और Mary ने project में एक-दूसरे की मदद करने का निर्णय लिया।

 

How to Form Questions Using Reciprocal Pronouns

 

1. Start with a question word (if needed) or an auxiliary verb (like “do,” “does,” or “did”).

In questions, you usually begin with a question word (who, what, where) or an auxiliary verb (do/does/did) followed by the subject and the reciprocal pronoun. In questions with reciprocal pronouns, the word order is typically: Question word (if any) + Auxiliary verb + Subject + Reciprocal Pronoun.

सवाल शुरू करने के लिए आप अक्सर प्रश्नवाचक शब्द (जैसे कौन, क्या, कहाँ) या सहायक क्रिया (auxiliary verb) (जैसे करते हैं/करते थे) का इस्तेमाल करते हैं, इसके बाद subject और reciprocal सर्वनाम आता है।

 

2. Use “each other” or “one another” correctly in the question.

Ensure that you use “each other” for two subjects and “one another” for more than two subjects.

सही तरीके से “एक-दूसरे” का इस्तेमाल दो subjects के लिए और “एक-दूसरे को” का इस्तेमाल तीन या ज़्यादा subjects के लिए करें।

 

Examples of  Interrogative Sentences Using Reciprocal Pronouns

Do they help each other with their homework?

क्या वे एक-दूसरे की होमवर्क में मदद करते हैं?

Did the team members support one another during the game?

क्या टीम के सदस्यों ने खेल के दौरान एक-दूसरे को समर्थन दिया?

Who do you talk to each other about?

आप एक-दूसरे से किस बारे में बात करते हैं?

Don’t they respect each other?

क्या वे एक-दूसरे का सम्मान नहीं करते?

 

Negative Sentences with Reciprocal Pronouns

 

1. Place “not” after the auxiliary verb (do/does/did) or use the negative form of the verb.

In negative sentences with reciprocal pronouns, the word “not” is placed after the auxiliary verb (do/does/did) or directly before the main verb in the sentence.

Negative वाक्यों में reciprocal सर्वनाम के साथ “नहीं” auxiliary verb (जैसे करते हैं/करते थे) के बाद या मुख्य verb से पहले लगाया जाता है।

 

2. Use reciprocal pronouns “each other” or “one another” in the sentence.

Make sure to place “each other” for two subjects and “one another” for three or more subjects in the negative sentence.

“एक-दूसरे” का इस्तेमाल दो subjects के लिए और “एक-दूसरे को” का इस्तेमाल तीन या ज़्यादा subjects के लिए करें।

 

Examples of Negative Sentences Using Reciprocal Pronouns

They do not talk to each other anymore.

वे अब एक-दूसरे से बात नहीं करते।

The team members did not help one another during the match.

टीम के सदस्यों ने मैच के दौरान एक-दूसरे को मदद नहीं दी।

Don’t they respect each other?

क्या वे एक-दूसरे का सम्मान नहीं करते?

John and Mary do not trust each other.

John और Mary एक-दूसरे पर विश्वास नहीं करते।

 

Reciprocal Pronouns in Different Tenses

Reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another” are used in different tenses to express mutual actions between two or more subjects. The use of reciprocal pronouns in various tenses follows the same general rules as for other types of pronouns, but the verb tense must align with the time frame of the action. Below is an explanation of how reciprocal pronouns are used in different tenses:

 

1. Present Tense (Simple Present)

In the present tense, reciprocal pronouns are used to show ongoing or habitual mutual actions or relationships.

वर्तमान काल में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल लगातार या नियमित आपसी actions या रिश्तों को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।

Example: They help each other every day.

                वे हर दिन एक-दूसरे की मदद करते हैं।

 

2. Past Tense (Simple Past)

In the past tense, reciprocal pronouns are used to describe actions or relationships that occurred in the past. The verb is in the past form.

भूतकाल में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन actions या रिश्तों को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है जो पहले हो चुकी थीं। Verb का रूप भूतकाल में होता है।

Example: The children played with each other yesterday.

                बच्चों ने कल एक-दूसरे के साथ खेला।

 

3. Future Tense (Simple Future)

In the future tense, reciprocal pronouns are used to describe actions that will happen in the future. The verb is in the future form.

भविष्यकाल में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन कामों को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है जो भविष्य में होंगी। क्रिया का रूप भविष्यकाल में होता है।

Example: They will help one another when needed.

                वे आवश्यकता पड़ने पर एक-दूसरे की मदद करेंगे।

 

4. Present Continuous Tense

Reciprocal pronouns can be used in the present continuous tense to describe ongoing mutual actions happening right now.

Present Continuous Tense में reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल तब किया जाता है जब आपसी क्रिया अभी हो रही हो।

Example: The team members are helping each other right now.

                टीम के सदस्य अभी एक-दूसरे की मदद कर रहे हैं।

 

5. Past Continuous Tense

In the past continuous tense, reciprocal pronouns are used to describe actions that were happening in the past and were mutual.

Past Continuous Tense में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन कामों को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है जो भूतकाल में आपसी रूप से चल रही थीं।

Example: They were talking to each other when I arrived.

                वे जब पहुंचे, तब वे एक-दूसरे से बात कर रहे थे।

 

6. Future Continuous Tense

In the future continuous tense, reciprocal pronouns express mutual actions that will be happening at a specific time in the future.

Future Continuous Tense में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन आपसी क्रियाओं को व्यक्त करने के लिए किया जाता है जो भविष्य में एक विशेष समय पर हो रही होंगी।

Example: They will be talking to each other during the meeting.

                वे बैठक के दौरान एक-दूसरे से बात कर रहे होंगे।

 

7. Present Perfect Tense

Reciprocal pronouns can also be used in the present perfect tense to describe mutual actions or relationships that have occurred at an unspecified time in the past but have relevance to the present.

Present perfect tense में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन आपसी क्रियाओं या रिश्तों को व्यक्त करने के लिए किया जाता है जो अतीत में कभी भी हुई थीं, लेकिन वर्तमान में उनका महत्व है।

Example: They have helped each other many times.

                उन्होंने एक-दूसरे की कई बार मदद की है।

 

8. Past Perfect Tense

In the past perfect tense, reciprocal pronouns describe mutual actions that were completed before another action or event in the past.

Past perfect tense में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन आपसी क्रियाओं को व्यक्त करने के लिए किया जाता है जो एक अन्य क्रिया या घटना से पहले पूरी हुई थीं।

Example: They had supported each other before the crisis.

               उन्होंने संकट से पहले एक-दूसरे का समर्थन किया था।

 

9. Future Perfect Tense

In the future perfect tense, reciprocal pronouns are used to describe mutual actions that will have been completed before a specified point in the future.

Future perfect tense में, reciprocal सर्वनाम का इस्तेमाल उन आपसी क्रियाओं को व्यक्त करने के लिए किया जाता है जो भविष्य में किसी निर्दिष्ट समय से पहले पूरी हो चुकी होंगी।

Example: By next year, they will have helped one another countless times.

               अगले साल तक, वे एक-दूसरे की अनगिनत बार मदद कर चुके होंगे।

 

 

Reciprocal Pronouns Exercise

Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with the correct reciprocal pronouns: each other or one another.

 

1. Sarah and John looked at __________ in surprise when they heard the news.
2. The two teams congratulated __________ after the match.
3. We should always help __________ in times of need.
4. The children were playing with __________ in the park.
5. The friends have known __________ for over ten years.
6. The students worked hard and helped __________ with the project.
7. My parents love __________ very much.
8. The neighbors don’t talk to __________ after the argument.
9. The teachers and students respected __________ during the event.
10. At the party, everyone danced and enjoyed __________.
11. The members of the group shared their ideas with __________.
12. They promised to look after __________ when they go abroad.
13. The siblings were arguing, but later they apologized to __________.
14. The volunteers supported __________ in making the event successful.
15. After the meeting, the colleagues appreciated __________ for their efforts.

 

Answers

Each other

Each other

Each other

Each other

Each other

Each other

Each other

Each other

One another

Each other

One another

Each other

Each other

One another

Each other

 

This exercise helps practice the correct use of “each other” and “one another” in various contexts. The general rule is to use “each other” when referring to two subjects and “one another” for three or more subjects.

 

Reciprocal Pronouns FAQs

 

1. What are reciprocal pronouns?

Reciprocal pronouns are pronouns used to indicate a mutual action or relationship between two or more subjects. The two main reciprocal pronouns in English are “each other” and “one another.”

 

2. When should I use “each other” instead of “one another”?

Use “each other” when referring to two subjects or objects, and “one another” when referring to three or more subjects or objects.

Example: They love each other. (two people)

                The team members support one another. (three or more people)

 

3. Can reciprocal pronouns be used in negative sentences?

Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be used in negative sentences. You simply add “not” after the auxiliary verb or before the main verb.

Example: They don’t talk to each other anymore.

 

4. Can reciprocal pronouns be used with inanimate objects?

No, reciprocal pronouns should not be used with inanimate objects, as they imply mutual action or relationship. For example, you wouldn’t say, “The books are stacked on each other.” Instead, say, “The books are stacked on top of each other.”

 

5. Is there a difference between “each other” and “one another”?

Although both “each other” and “one another” can be used interchangeably in most cases, traditionally, “each other” is used for two people or things, and “one another” is used for three or more. In modern usage, both can often be used for any number of subjects.

 

6. Can I use reciprocal pronouns in questions?

Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be used in questions. The structure is the same as for other questions. Example: “Do they help each other?” or “Did the group members share ideas with one another?”

 

7. Are reciprocal pronouns the same as reflexive pronouns?

No, reciprocal pronouns and reflexive pronouns are different. Reciprocal pronouns refer to mutual actions between two or more subjects (e.g., “They help each other”). Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence (e.g., “She helped herself”).

 

8. Can reciprocal pronouns be used with plural subjects?

Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be used with plural subjects, particularly when there are three or more subjects.

Example: The workers are helping one another.

 

9. How do I form a negative sentence with reciprocal pronouns?

To form a negative sentence with reciprocal pronouns, simply add “not” after the auxiliary verb. Example: They do not respect each other.

 

10. Can I use reciprocal pronouns in the past, present, and future tenses?

Yes, reciprocal pronouns can be used in all tenses. The verb tense changes to match the time of the action, but the reciprocal pronoun remains the same. Example:

Present: They help each other.

Past: They helped each other.

Future: They will help one another.

 

Conclusion

Understanding reciprocal pronouns is an essential part of mastering English grammar, whether you’re looking to improve your spoken English or refine your writing. By using reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another,” you can clearly express mutual actions or relationships between two or more subjects. Throughout this blog, we’ve explored the reciprocal pronoun definition and examples, helping you grasp when and how to use these pronouns effectively. With time and practice, you’ll find that these subtle but important elements of language will elevate your ability to learn English online and communicate with greater fluency.