What does “Each other” mean?
Each other” is a reciprocal pronoun used in English to express a mutual or reciprocal action or relationship between two parties. It indicates that the subjects in question are both the doers and the receivers of the action described by the verb.
The use of “each other” implies that there is an interaction where both or all parties involved are performing the same action towards one another, sharing the experience or effect of that action.
It is used to construct sentences where two subjects interact with one another in some way. “Each other” is specifically chosen to indicate actions that are done mutually and reciprocally. When “each other” is used, it reflects a symmetry in the action or relationship, suggesting that what one subject does to the other, the other also does in return.
Example:
- “The siblings always support each other in times of need.”
- This sentence implies that the support is mutual—each sibling supports the other.
- “The partners thanked each other after the successful project completion.”
- Here, “each other” indicates that both partners expressed thanks to one another, showcasing mutual gratitude.
“Each other” vs “One another” | What is the Difference?
“Each other” and “one another” are both used to indicate a reciprocal relationship or action between two or more subjects. “Each other” is used for two subjects while “one another” is used for more than two.
In modern English, this distinction is often not strictly followed, and both phrases are commonly used interchangeably regardless of the number of subjects involved.