What are Reciprocal Pronouns: Definition, Examples, Exercise

What are Reciprocal Pronouns? Imagine two best friends exchanging gifts on their birthdays. One gives a present, and the other gives one back. This mutual action—where both are involved equally—is exactly what reciprocal pronouns help us express in English!

Words like “each other” and “one another” make sentences sound natural and less repetitive when describing actions shared between two or more people. Whether you’re talking about friends helping each other, students sharing notes, or teammates celebrating a victory, reciprocal pronouns play a key role in making communication smooth and clear.

In this blog, we will learn what are reciprocal pronouns in the simplest way possible—so you can use them correctly and confidently. Plus, we’ll explore common mistakes, easy examples, and exercises to help you master them effortlessly!

What are Reciprocal Pronouns?

A pronoun that indicates a reciprocal relationship is called a reciprocal pronoun.  In other words, when someone or something does something to another and gets the same action in return, that scenario is referred to as a reciprocal pronoun.

Reciprocal pronouns are used to express mutual actions or relationships between two or more people or things. They indicate that two or more subjects are performing the same action toward each other. In English, the two reciprocal pronouns are “each other” and “one another.”

Reciprocal pronouns, “each other” and “one another,” are used to describe actions or feelings that are shared between two or more people or things. They indicate a mutual relationship or interaction.

1. “Each other”: This is used when referring to two people or things that are performing the action reciprocally.
   Example: They hugged each other after the match.
   
2. “One another”: This is traditionally used when referring to more than two people or things. However, in modern usage, it is often used interchangeably with “each other” for both singular and plural subjects.
   Example: The friends supported one another during tough times.

Both pronouns emphasise the reciprocity of the action. They are used to avoid repetition of the subject, making sentences more natural and less cumbersome. While “each other” is still more common in everyday language, “one another” tends to be preferred in formal contexts when referring to multiple people.

Also Read: What are Pronouns? Check Definition, Classification, Types

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns

Let’s examine how reciprocal pronouns are used in sentences to convey relationships between people.

One another	Each other
The students in the class help one another with their homework.	Sarah and John love each other. (Sarah loves John, and John loves Sarah.)
The birds were chirping and calling out to one another.	The two teams shook hands with each other after the match.
The elephants stood close together in order to protect one another.	The siblings always support each other in difficult times.

Also Read: Emphatic Pronouns: Definition, Functions, Examples

Reciprocal Pronouns Exercises with Answers

Here we have given you a few exercises to understand the right use of reciprocal pronouns: 

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. The two brothers always help ______ in difficult times. 
2. The players congratulated ______ after the match. 
3. The friends gave gifts to ______ on Christmas.
4. The classmates share their notes with ______.
5. The couple looked at ______ and smiled.
6. The teammates encouraged ______ before the big game.
7. The husband and wife trust ______ completely.
8. The students exchanged notes with ______ before the exam.
9. The cats were playfully chasing ______ around the garden.
10. The neighbors always greet ______ warmly.

Answers:

1. (each other)
2. (one another)
3. (each other)
4. (one another)
5. (each other)
6. (each other)
7. (each other)
8. (one another)
9. (each other)
10. (one another)

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Answer

1. The two cats were chasing (each other / one another) around the house.
2. The students in the debate team respect (each other / one another) a lot.
3. The birds were singing to (each other / one another) in the trees. 
4. My parents and I always support (each other / one another) during tough times. 
5. The dancers synchronized their moves with (each other / one another).
6. The two best friends always share secrets with (each other / one another).
7. The football players passed the ball to (each other / one another) during practice.
8. The members of the choir listened to (each other / one another) carefully.
9. The children in the playground were laughing at (each other / one another).
10. The business partners trust (each other / one another) completely.

Answers:

1. each other
2. one another
3. one another
4. one another
5. one another
6. each other
7. each other
8. one another
9. one another
10. each other

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences Using Reciprocal Pronouns

1. Sarah loves John, and John loves Sarah.
2. The teachers and students greet each other every morning. 
3. The two sisters borrowed clothes from each. 
4. The members of the team encouraged every person. 
5. The puppies were playing and biting among themselves.  
6. Tom helps Jerry, and Jerry helps Tom
7. The friends sent messages to every person in the group.
8. The two colleagues exchanged ideas during the meeting.
9. The neighbors often visit every house in the neighborhood.
10. The kids in the park were throwing the ball to different children.

Answers:

1. Sarah and John love each other.
2. The teachers and students greet one another every morning.
3. The two sisters borrowed clothes from each other.
4.  The members of the team encouraged one another.
5. The puppies were playing and biting one another.
6. Tom and Jerry help each other.
7. The friends sent messages to one another.
8. The two colleagues exchanged ideas with each other.
9. The neighbors often visit one another.
10. The kids in the park were throwing the ball to one another.

Also Read: Pronoun Exercise with Answers

FAQs 

Related blogs:

Reflexive Pronoun Exercise	What is the Difference Between Nouns and Pronouns
What are Reflexive Pronouns?	First, Second and Third Person Pronouns
Subject Pronouns Exercises with Answers	Personal Pronoun Exercises
Demonstrative Pronoun Examples & Definition	What are Relative Pronouns?

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