What Is Reciprocal Pronoun? Examples And Its Rules

Reciprocal Pronoun

Do you remember the days when we exchanged gifts with each other on special occasions? Do you know the term “each other” is one of the types of pronouns? Yes, it is precisely a reciprocal pronoun. So, now in this article, we will learn about reciprocal pronoun meaning, examples and its rules.

Meaning of Reciprocal Pronoun

Reciprocal pronouns are used to convey the mutual relationship of two or more people or objects.

Examples: Each other, one another

reciprocal pronoun definition and examples

Examples of Reciprocal Pronoun

1- Each other

Each other – used to express the relationship between two persons.

For Example:

My two friends appreciated each other.
We both like each other.
Mira and Sonam complimented each other for their dance performances.
Hari and Mohan gift each other Christmas presents.

2- One another

One another – used to express the relationship of more than two people.

For Example:

We valued one another.
Friends spent the entire weekend having a conversation with one another.
Children distribute sweets to one another at the party.
Parents appreciated one another for their hard work on kids.

Important Rules for Reciprocal Pronoun

Never use Reciprocal pronoun as a subject

Do not use reciprocal pronouns such as “each other” and “one another” as a subject in the sentence.

For Example:

One another exchanged their schedule. (Incorrect)
They exchanged their schedule with one another. (Correct)

Use Reciprocal Pronoun with a verb or preposition

Reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another” are always placed after a verb or preposition in the sentence and always as an object in the sentence. “Each other” and “One another” should never be placed prior to the verb or preposition.

For Example:

My brothers mimicked each other.

In this example, as we can see “each other” is used after the verb “mimicked” and also placed as an object in the sentence.

They all played with one another.

In the above example, “one another” is placed after the preposition “with”.

Practice Exercise

1. Priya and Jinisha fixed ____________ projects.	(one other / each other)
2. People agreed with ____________ to establish a school in a barren land.	(one another / each other)
3. Two kids helped ____________ in the class.	(one another / each other)
4. Those four girls teach _____________ a unique art pattern.	(one another / each other)

ENGLISH-RELATED CONCEPTS: