Each Other vs. One Another – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably in modern English, each other and one another are both grammatically correct reciprocal pronouns. Historically, “each other” referred to two entities, and “one another” to three or more. However, this distinction is largely ignored today, and both phrases are acceptable regardless of the number of participants.

Each Other or One Another – Which is Correct?

Both “each other” and “one another” are correct and serve as reciprocal pronouns, meaning they express a mutual action or relationship between two or more subjects. The traditional rule suggested using “each other” for two people or things and “one another” for three or more. For example, “The two friends helped each other” versus “The team members congratulated one another.” However, this distinction has largely faded in contemporary English, and most style guides now accept their interchangeable use in nearly all contexts. You can confidently “swap test” them in most sentences and find both sound natural.

Word/Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Each other	Reciprocal Pronoun	Denotes a mutual action or relationship between two (historically) or more (modern) entities.	The couple looked at each other lovingly.
One another	Reciprocal Pronoun	Denotes a mutual action or relationship between three or more (historically) or two or more (modern) entities.	The students helped one another with the project.

How to Use Each Other

“Each other” functions as a reciprocal pronoun, indicating that two or more subjects are performing an action upon or experiencing a relationship with the other(s). While traditionally reserved for interactions between two individuals or items, modern usage commonly extends it to groups of any size. It implies a direct, two-way interaction. The tone is neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Example 1: After the argument, the siblings finally apologized to each other.

Example 2: The two companies have been competing with each other for market share.

Example 3: During the team-building exercise, they had to rely on each other to complete the task.

What are the different forms of Each Other?

“Each other” is a fixed phrase and does not change form for tense, number, or gender. It can, however, take a possessive form: “each other’s.” For example, “They borrowed each other’s books.”

Etymology of the phrase Each Other

The phrase “each other” dates back to Middle English, emerging from the combination of “each” (from Old English ǣlc, meaning “every one”) and “other” (from Old English ōþer). It developed as a way to express reciprocity. Its usage has been consistent over centuries, though its specific application regarding the number of participants has evolved.

How to Use One Another

“One another” also serves as a reciprocal pronoun, expressing a mutual action or relationship among subjects. While historically preferred for interactions involving three or more people or things, contemporary English frequently uses it interchangeably with “each other,” regardless of the number. It emphasizes the collective and mutual nature of the action. Like “each other,” its tone is neutral and suitable for all registers.

Example 1: The committee members praised one another for their hard work on the report.

Example 2: In a healthy community, neighbors should support one another.

Example 3: The children were throwing snowballs at one another in the park.

What are the different forms of One Another?

Similar to “each other,” “one another” is a fixed phrase and does not inflect for tense, number, or gender. It can also form a possessive: “one another’s.” For instance, “They respected one another’s opinions.”

Etymology of the phrase One Another

The phrase “one another” also has roots in Middle English, combining “one” (from Old English ān) and “another” (from Old English ān oþer, meaning “one other”). It emerged as a parallel construction to “each other” to convey reciprocal actions, particularly in contexts involving more than two individuals. Its evolution mirrors that of “each other” in terms of modern interchangeable usage.

Related Concepts

Both “each other” and “one another” are classified as reciprocal pronouns. Reciprocal pronouns are a specific type of pronoun used when the action or feeling is given and received by all members of a group. They always refer to two or more people or things. Understanding them helps clarify sentences where subjects are both performing and receiving the same action. They act as objects in a sentence, never as subjects.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “They were like two ships passing in the night, waving to each other from a distance.” – From a contemporary novel.
• “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one another may edify.” – Romans 14:19 (King James Bible).
• “The two rival detectives, despite their differences, developed a grudging respect for each other.” – From a crime drama series.
• “The members of the fellowship swore an oath to protect one another on their perilous journey.” – From a fantasy epic.
• “My colleagues and I often bounce ideas off each other during brainstorming sessions.” – From a business article.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The couple held hands and smiled at ___________.
2. During the team meeting, the colleagues shared ideas with ___________.
3. The two dogs barked loudly at ___________.
4. The students in the choir helped __________ memorize the lyrics.
5. Despite their arguments, the siblings truly loved ___________.

Answer Key

1. each other / one another (Both are acceptable in modern usage)
2. each other / one another (Both are acceptable in modern usage)
3. each other / one another (Both are acceptable in modern usage)
4. each other / one another (Both are acceptable in modern usage)
5. each other / one another (Both are acceptable in modern usage)

Each Other Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Mutually	In a mutual or reciprocal manner; jointly.
Reciprocally	In a way that involves a mutual action or relationship.
Together	With or near each other. (Less precise, but implies mutual interaction)

One Another Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Mutually	In a mutual or reciprocal manner; jointly.
Reciprocally	In a way that involves a mutual action or relationship.
Collectively	As a group; as a whole. (Highlights the group aspect of the reciprocity)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is there a situation where only “each other” or “one another” is correct?
In modern English, there are very few, if any, situations where only one is exclusively correct. While traditionalists might argue for “each other” with two entities and “one another” with three or more, most contemporary style guides accept them as interchangeable.

Question 2: Can “each other” or “one another” be used as the subject of a sentence?
No, reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another” always function as objects (direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition) in a sentence, never as the subject.

Question 3: Does using “each other” or “one another” affect the formality of writing?
No, both phrases are considered standard English and are appropriate for both formal and informal writing. The choice between them does not typically alter the tone or formality of a piece.

Conclusion

In summary, while a historical distinction once suggested using “each other” for two entities and “one another” for three or more, this rule is largely disregarded in modern English. Both phrases are now widely accepted as interchangeable reciprocal pronouns, expressing mutual action or relationship. You can confidently use either in most contexts without concern for grammatical error.

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink the traditional distinction. Focus on clarity and consistency within your writing. If you’re unsure, or writing for a highly conservative audience, you might lean towards “each other” for two and “one another” for more, but for general communication, interchangeability is the accepted norm.