Each other

Definition

Each other is a reciprocal pronoun. It shows that two or more people or things perform the same action toward one another, or share the same relationship.

Examples

• Mina and Leo help each other.

  Mina helps Leo, and Leo helps Mina.

• The two teams respect each other.

  The respect operates in both directions.

• We sent each other messages.

  Each person sent messages to the other person or people.

Each other vs. reflexive pronouns

Each other expresses action between different participants. A reflexive pronoun sends the action back to the same participant.

One another has the same core meaning

One another is a common alternative to each other. Traditional rules sometimes associate each other with two participants and one another with more than two, but modern usage does not consistently maintain that distinction.

• The neighbours know one another well.

  The phrase expresses the same reciprocal relationship.

• The three sisters often borrow each other's clothes.

  The possessive form is each other's, with an apostrophe before s.

Common mistakes