pronoun A1 Beginner

each other

eech UH-thuh

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Each other (pronoun) means used to show that each of two or more people or things does something to the other and receives the same thing back. Example: “The twins finish each other's sentences.”

pronoun

Used to show that each of two or more people or things does something to the other and receives the same thing back.

"The twins finish each other's sentences."

"We have known each other since school."

How to use each other

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed when two people or things do the same thing to one another.

Memory tip

Do not use a reflexive here: 'they saw each other', not 'they saw themselves', which would mean each looked at their own reflection.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

one another themselves → the other

Common pairings

know each other help each other each other's talk to each other love each other

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “each other” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The twins finish _____'s sentences.

Etymology

From Middle English ech other, yche othere, ich othir, eche other, ilk oþer, from Old English ǣlċ ōþer (“each other”), equivalent to each + other. Cognate with Scots ilk other (“each other”), West Frisian elkoar (“each other”), Dutch elkander, elkaar (“each other”).

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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one another

Rhymes for each other

other mother bother nother brother another smother smoother godmother grandmother stepbrother

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'each other' and 'one another'?

In careful traditional usage, 'each other' is used for two people and 'one another' for three or more. In practice modern English treats them as interchangeable, and no reader will misunderstand either one.

Is it 'each other's' or 'each others''?

It is always 'each other's', with the apostrophe before the s, as in 'they wore each other's coats'. 'Each other' is treated as singular for possession, so 'each others'' is never correct.

Can 'each other' be the subject of a sentence?

No. It is a reciprocal pronoun and can only be an object or a possessive, as in 'they helped each other' or 'each other's homes'. Say 'they each thought the other was wrong', not 'each other thought'.

What is the meaning of each other?

"each other" (pronoun) means used to show that each of two or more people or things does something to the other and receives the same thing back.