Reciprocal Pronoun: Definition, Types, Examples and Usage

What is Reciprocal Pronoun?

Pronouns are of several types, such as Demonstrative, reflexive, reciprocal, and many more. Everyone must have heard of this term but are you genuinely aware of what is reciprocal pronoun? Understand this by taking an example: “They love each other.“ In this sentence, the word ‘each other’ represents the reciprocal pronoun, proving that two persons are involved in some activity together. Therefore, it can be said that when more than one person is performing or has performed some sort of activity, including both reaping the advantages or drawbacks of that effort at the same time, then it is a reciprocal pronoun. You will also go through several examples that will help you get a better understanding of the topic.

Definition of Reciprocal Pronoun

According to the Oxford Learners’ Dictionary, the term ‘reciprocal’ is defined as “involving two people or groups who agree to help each other or behave in the same way to each other.”

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, A reciprocal pronoun definition is said to be “a pronoun (such as each other) used when its referents are predicted to bear the same relationship to one another.”

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns

To get a better understanding of the topic, you must go through some examples of reciprocal pronoun. So, check them below and start using them in your daily conversations for better practice.

1. The two sisters often confide in each other.
2. During the project, the team members supported one another through the challenges.
3. After the argument, John and Mary refused to speak to each other.
4. Despite their differences, the neighbors generally respect each other.
5. The two rival companies have been trying to outdo each other for years.
6. At the reunion, old friends greeted one another with hugs and laughter.
7. The artists critiqued one another's work during the workshop.
8. They exchanged vows, promising to cherish each other forever.
9. The two dogs playfully nipped at each other's heels.
10. The participants of the online forum regularly share ideas with one another.

These are the reciprocal pronoun examples that will help you in a better understanding of the topic. For more clarity, you can dive deeper into the sentence structuring such as the subject and object of the sentence, which will help you in learning the formation of these sentences.

What Are the Types of Reciprocal Pronouns?

While using the reciprocal pronoun sentences, there are only two elements that make it in this form. These are:

1. Each other: to show that each person in a group of more than one people does something to the others.
2. One another: Same intent as each other, but the way of writing is usually different when there are three or more people.

These two are the only types of reciprocal pronouns. These also help you find out the pronoun easily, as the sentence using ‘each other’ or ‘one another’ has a high chance of being the reciprocal pronoun.

How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns?

To get the proper knowledge about any topic of English grammar, it is important to understand the proper usage of that particular part. So, the reciprocal pronoun sentences consist of objects of verbs or prepositions, not as subjects, and should be placed after the verb or preposition. These objects are known as the reciprocal pronouns. Other things to keep in mind about the same are:

1. When to use "each other": When referring to two people specifically.

• The two magnets repelled each other when brought close.
• The gears in the machine interlocked with each other perfectly.
• The couple enjoyed spending quiet evenings with each other.
• My parents have always loved and cared for each other deeply.
• The children chased each other around the park, giggling.

2. When to use “one another”: When referring to three or more people.

• The diverse cultures in the city learn from one another.
• The debate participants listened carefully to one another's arguments.
• The students in the study group helped one another prepare for the exam.
• The members of the choir harmonized with one another beautifully.
• The volunteers collaborated with one another to organize the charity event.

3. Reciprocal pronouns cannot be used as the subject of a sentence.

4. "One another" is considered slightly more formal besides being used interchangeably with ‘each other’.

These are a few things that you must keep in mind to use the reciprocal pronoun more accurately.

Exercises

Solve the reciprocal pronoun worksheet and check your knowledge about the topic.

Worksheet 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Complete each sentence with the appropriate reciprocal pronoun: each other or one another.

1. The two friends always tell _________ everything.
2. During the storm, the villagers helped _________ rebuild their homes.
3. John and Mary looked at _________ and smiled.
4. The members of the sports team encouraged _________ throughout the tough game.
5. My parents have always supported _________ in their careers.
6. The children were throwing snowballs at _________ in the backyard.
7. The delegates from different countries tried to understand _________'s perspectives.
8. The two cats were chasing _________ around the living room.
9. At the conference, the scientists shared their research findings with _________.
10. The couple held _________'s hands as they walked along the beach.
11. In a healthy community, people should respect _________.
12. The gears in the clock fit perfectly into _________.
13. The students in the group project worked well with _________.
14. After the argument, the siblings refused to speak to _________.
15. The different parts of the machine depend on _________ to function correctly.

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. each other
2. one another
3. each other
4. one another
5. each other
6. each other
7. one another
8. each other
9. one another
10. each other
11. one another
12. each other
13. one another
14. each other
15. one another

Worksheet 2: Choose the Correct Reciprocal Pronoun

Instructions: Choose the correct reciprocal pronoun (each other or one another) to complete each sentence.

1. The two musicians complemented (each other / one another) perfectly.
2. All the participants shook hands with (each other / one another) at the end of the workshop.
3. Sarah and Tom bought presents for (each other / one another) for their anniversary.
4. The children at the daycare center often play games with (each other / one another).
5. The various departments within the company communicate regularly with (each other / one another).
6. My brother and I often tease (each other / one another).
7. During the group discussion, everyone listened attentively to (each other / one another).
8. The two birds were feeding (each other / one another) in the nest.
9. The members of the jury discussed the case with (each other / one another) for hours.
10. The couple exchanged loving glances at (each other / one another).
11. In a true democracy, citizens should be able to voice their opinions to (each other / one another).
12. The two magnets were attracted to (each other / one another).
13. After the long journey, the travelers wished (each other / one another) a good night's sleep.
14. The components of the electronic device are wired to (each other / one another).
15. The classmates collaborated with (each other / one another) on the research project.

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. each other
2. one another
3. each other
4. one another
5. one another
6. each other
7. one another
8. each other
9. one another
10. each other
11. one another
12. each other
13. one another
14. each other
15. one another

Conclusion

This was all about the reciprocal pronoun. In this blog, you read about several important things such as the definition, types, examples, and usage. Most important, you also get to solve two exercises here, which are important to check your knowledge of this topic. So, prepare well by putting in the necessary efforts and getting familiar with the complex grammatical structures of the English language. Moreover, it is also recommended to learn new words daily to improve your vocabulary, which is one of the most important elements of any language. So, work hard and become a master of the universal language.

FAQ’S

What Are the 7 Types of Pronouns?

There are seven main types of pronouns in English: personal, demonstrative, interrogative, relative, indefinite, reflexive, and intensive.

What Is a Good Sentence for Reciprocal?

A good sentence using a reciprocal pronoun could be: "The friends confided in each other about their secrets."

What Is the Difference Between Reflexive and Reciprocal Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns indicate that the subject of the verb is also the object, performing the action on itself. Reciprocal pronouns, on the other hand, indicate that two or more subjects are performing an action on each other.

What Is a Reciprocal and Demonstrative Pronoun?

A demonstrative pronoun indicates a specific noun, while a reciprocal pronoun expresses a mutual relationship between two or more nouns.

Is ‘You’ a Reciprocal Pronoun?

No, 'you' is not a reciprocal pronoun. Reciprocal pronouns are specifically "each other" and "one another," used to indicate a mutual action or relationship between two or more people. "You" is a personal pronoun used to address someone, but it doesn't show a reciprocal relationship.