Reciprocal Pronouns

We use reciprocal pronouns when each of two or more subjects is acting in the same way towards the other. For example, A is talking to B, and B is talking to A. So we say:

• A and B are talking to each other.

The action is "reciprocated". John talks to Mary and Mary talks to John. I give you a present and you give me a present. The dog bites the cat and the cat bites the dog.

There are only two reciprocal pronouns, and they are both two words:

• each other
• one another

When we use these reciprocal pronouns:

• there must be two or more people, things or groups involved (so we cannot use reciprocal pronouns with I, you [singular], he/she/it), and
• they must be doing the same thing

Look at these examples:

• John and Mary love each other.
• Peter and David hate each other.
• The ten prisoners were all blaming one another.
• Both teams played hard against each other.
• We gave each other gifts.
• Why don't you believe each other?
• They can't see each other.
• The gangsters were fighting one another.
• The boats were bumping against each other in the storm.