Reciprocal Pronoun Lesson- Definition, Usage & Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Reciprocal Pronoun?
• How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences
• Difference Between Reciprocal Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns

Reciprocal pronouns are like bridges that connect two or more people, allowing them to perform actions toward each other. Think of it as a team of friends passing a ball back and forth, where "each other" and "one another" represent the mutual exchange between them. In this lesson, we will learn about reciprocal pronouns and how they help build connections in sentences.

What Is a Reciprocal Pronoun?

A reciprocal pronoun is a pronoun used when two or more people, groups, or things perform the same action toward each other. It shows a mutual relationship or shared action between subjects in a sentence.

In English, there are only two reciprocal pronouns:

• Each other (used for two people or things)
• One another (used for more than two people or things)

Examples:

1. Lisa and Tom respect each other.
2. The students in the class help one another with homework.
3. The two teams shook hands with each other after the match.
4. The birds in the tree were singing to one another.

Without a reciprocal pronoun:

• Lisa respects Tom, and Tom respects Lisa.

With a reciprocal pronoun:

• Lisa and Tom respect each other.
  
  

How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences

Reciprocal pronouns help us show mutual actions or relationships between two or more people or things. They make sentences shorter and easier to understand. 

To use reciprocal pronouns correctly, follow these steps.

Step 1: Identify Two or More People or Things in the Sentence

A reciprocal pronoun is used when two or more people, groups, or things are doing the same action to each other. The subjects must have a mutual connection in the sentence.

Example:

• Sarah and Mia call each other every evening. 

Step 2: Choose the Correct Reciprocal Pronoun

There are two reciprocal pronouns:

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns Used in a Sentence:

• The two brothers always support each other. 
• The players on the team trust one another. 

Step 3: Place the Reciprocal Pronoun After the Verb

Reciprocal pronouns usually come after the main verb to show a mutual action.

Examples:

• The cats chased each other around the house. (Mutual action: chasing.)
• The classmates shared their notes with one another. (Mutual action: sharing.)

Step 4: Ensure Clarity in Meaning

Using a reciprocal pronoun should make the sentence clear and easy to understand. If the sentence sounds confusing, rephrase it.

Unclear sentence:

• The students helped each other with the project, but she finished it alone. (Who finished alone? The sentence is unclear.)

Clear sentence:

• The students helped each other with the project, but Emma finished her part alone. (Now it's clear that Emma worked alone.)

Step 5: Avoid Using Reciprocal Pronouns with Singular Subjects

Reciprocal pronouns can only be used with plural subjects because they show mutual action between multiple people or things.

Incorrect:

• I help each other. (Only one person, so "each other" cannot be used.)

Correct:

• We help each other. (Plural subject, so "each other" is correct.)

Step 6: Use Reciprocal Pronouns to Avoid Repetition

Reciprocal pronouns help make sentences shorter and clearer by removing unnecessary words.

Without a reciprocal pronoun:

• Jack loves Emily, and Emily loves Jack.

With a reciprocal pronoun:

• Jack and Emily love each other. 

Step 7: Use Reciprocal Pronouns with Prepositions

Sometimes, reciprocal pronouns come after prepositions like to, with, from, at, or about to give extra details.

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences with Prepositions:

• The two friends waved at each other. (Mutual action: waving.)
• The birds sang songs to one another. (Mutual action: singing.)

By following these steps, you can correctly use reciprocal pronouns in a sentence to show mutual actions.

Take This Quiz :

Types of Pronoun Quiz With Answers

Difference Between Reciprocal Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns

Reciprocal pronouns and reflexive pronouns may seem similar, but they have different meanings and uses in sentences. 

Understanding the difference between them helps in writing correctly.

Reciprocal Pronouns: Showing Mutual Actions

Reciprocal pronouns express a mutual action or relationship between two or more people or things. They show that each person in the group is performing an action toward the other. The two reciprocal pronouns in English are:

• Each other (used when referring to two people or things)
• One another (used when referring to more than two people or things)

A reciprocal pronoun is always used when two or more subjects interact with each other, avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Reflexive Pronouns: Reflecting Back to the Subject

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same. This means that the action is performed by the subject on itself, rather than on another person or thing. Some common reflexive pronouns include:

• Myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves

Key Differences Between Reciprocal Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns

1. Purpose – Reciprocal pronouns show a mutual action between two or more people, while reflexive pronouns show that the subject is acting upon itself.
2. Pronouns Used – Reciprocal pronouns include each other and one another, while reflexive pronouns include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
3. Number of People or Things – Reciprocal pronouns are always used for two or more people, while reflexive pronouns are used when the action is directed back to the same person or thing.
4. Action Type – Reciprocal pronouns describe a shared or mutual action, while reflexive pronouns describe an action that does not involve another person or object.

Reciprocal Noun Examples vs. Reflexive Pronoun Examples

Take This Quiz :

Pronouns Test Quiz With Answers