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An Explanation on Reciprocal Pronouns

In this section, we will discuss reciprocal pronouns and their proper usage in the English language. This would enhance our knowledge by helping us frame sentences including reciprocal pronouns accurately.

A reciprocal pronoun can be defined as one that denotes a reciprocal connection. A reciprocal pronoun could be used to refer to each of the parts in a reciprocal formulation, which is a sentence wherein two people have a mutual connection. The reciprocal pronouns in English include each other and one another, and they together with reflexive pronouns, are classified as anaphors (themselves, yourselves, myself and so on).

A reciprocal pronoun refers to the pronouns which indicate that multiple parties are doing or have performed activity of some kind, with both reaping the advantages or repercussions of that activity at the very same time. Reciprocal pronouns are employed whenever something is accomplished or offered in exchange. The same holds true whenever there is an expression of mutual activity.

What is a pronoun?

  • A pronoun can be defined as a term that replaces a noun phrase or a noun. Pronouns relate either to a previously specified noun or a kind of noun that need not be named expressly.
  • Pronouns are terms that stand in for nouns. Personal pronouns include words like I, my, and me. The term we select is determined by the way it is utilised in a statement. Personal pronouns, for instance, can serve as the object or the subject. They can also demonstrate possession. This is called the possessive form.

What are Reciprocal Pronouns?

  • A reciprocal pronoun can be defined as the type of pronoun that is used in a phrase to illustrate the same activity being accomplished by at least two or more persons at the very same time, including the advantages and drawbacks of that event to them
  • Reciprocal pronouns can be frequently utilised in sentences to prevent the recurrence of the very same activity by multiple people
  • Reciprocal pronouns comprise groups of words, not single words
  • Reciprocal pronouns are of two types (one another and each other) that assist us to simplify sentences
  1. Application of ‘Each Other’: It is generally used in a phrase wherein two persons are undertaking the same task.
  2. Application of ‘One Another’: It can be used in a statement wherein there exists a requirement to portray multiple persons undertaking the same activity

Some reciprocal pronoun examples are as follows:

  • Annie is giving Eva a present, and Eva is giving Annie a present(a typical and extended statement without the usage of a reciprocal pronoun)

Annie and Eva are giving presents to each other. (a concise and brief statement made possible by the inclusion of a reciprocal pronoun)

  • Three children are playing baseball in the field by passing it from the first player to the second player, the second to the third, and ultimately from the third player to the first( a typical and extended statement devoid of a reciprocal pronoun)

Three children are playing by passing the ball to one another. (a concise and brief statement made possible with the usage of a reciprocal pronoun)

Reciprocal pronouns can also be used in their possessive versions by putting an apostrophe ‘s’ just at the ending of reciprocal pronouns like one another’s and each other’s (but not one anothers’ and each others’):

  • Annie and Eva can read each other’s books
  • The athletes are not allowed to use one another’s equipment

Examples and Usages of Reciprocal Pronouns

To utilise reciprocal pronouns within a statement, multiple parties, things, or organisations must be doing the same activity.

Reciprocal pronouns with you, I, she, he, and it cannot be used as reciprocal pronouns need numerous pronouns and nouns to reflect the action or feeling. 

Let us do some reciprocal pronouns exercises in order to grasp the concept thoroughly.

  • Each Other
  • Ram and Shyam always help each other
  • The fencing team coaches talked to each other regarding the strategy
  • The two kindergarten kids shared their lunch with each other
  • Rina and Tina share a gift with each other every new year
  • Both the football teams competed hard against each other during the match
  • One Another
  • The board members applauded one another upon achieving the targeted sales
  • The deers stood close to safeguard one another
  • The senior students cheered for one another at their farewell party
  • Consumers are fighting with one another for a specific product
  • The kids are playing on the football ground by passing the ball to one another

Conclusion

A reciprocal pronoun refers to the one that conveys a reciprocal association. To phrase it differently, reciprocal pronouns relate to situations in which something or someone undergoes an action concerning others and gets the very same kind of action in response.

One essential distinction between reciprocal pronouns and other pronouns should be noted. In contrast to certain other pronouns, these are only grammatical if treated as objects. It thus implies that a reciprocal pronoun cannot be made the subject of a phrase, clause, or statement.

It is vital to understand that reciprocal pronouns are not the same as reflexive pronouns. Because the context of the statement will alter if these two sorts of pronouns are used interchangeably. Reciprocal pronouns exercises help differentiate the two. 

faq

What do you mean by reciprocal pronouns?

Answer: A reciprocal pronoun can be defined as the type of pronoun that...Read full

How is reciprocal pronoun different from reflexive pronoun? Explain with examples.

Answer: Whenever reflexive pronouns are used, the subject performs the operation, but the activity is mirrored back ...Read full

How many types of reciprocal pronouns exist? Name them.

Answer: Two varieties of reciprocal pronouns exist. They are “one another” and “each other”.

Give some examples of reciprocal pronouns.

Answer: Some reciprocal pronoun examples are as follows: ...Read full