Reciprocal Pronouns

Diagram with reciprocal pronouns “each other” and “one another” in English, showing examples of mutual relationships between subjects in different sentences for effective language learning and grammar comprehension.

Introducing Reciprocal Pronouns

Reciprocal pronouns can be tricky in grammar, but mastering them is essential for effective communication in English, including American English. This guide will cover the rules for using reciprocal pronouns correctly, provide examples of their usage in simple and complex sentences, give exercises for practicing reciprocal pronouns, and explain how to teach them in ESL lessons.
 

American English ESL Lesson Plan

Rules of Using Reciprocal Pronouns Correctly

Reciprocal pronouns are words that are used to indicate a mutual relationship between two subjects or objects. "Each other" and "one another" are the only two reciprocal pronouns in English. Here are some rules to follow when using them:

  1. Use "each other" when the action involves only two people. For example: "Sarah and John kissed each other."
  2. Use "one another" when the action involves more than two people. For example: "The team members congratulated one another on their victory."
  3. Reciprocal pronouns should be placed after the verb or preposition in a sentence. For example: "They gave each other a high-five."

Tip: Unlike other pronouns, reciprocal pronouns make only grammatical sense when used as objects. This means reciprocal pronouns are only used as the subject of a sentence, clause, or phrase. For example:

“Laura and Eddie are friends. They smiled at each other.” (Correct)

“Laura and Eddie are friends. Each other smiled at them.” (Incorrect)

Examples of Reciprocal Pronouns in Sentences

To help better understand how to use reciprocal pronouns, here are some examples of them in sentences:

  • "The siblings hugged each other tightly."
  • "The friends shared their secrets with one another."
  • "The couple told each other 'I love you' every day."
  • "The classmates helped one another study for the exam."
  • "The team members encouraged each other during the race."

Exercises for Practicing Reciprocal Pronouns

Here are some exercises that can be used to practice using reciprocal pronouns correctly:

  1. Write a paragraph about a group of people doing an activity together, using "one another" correctly.
  2. Write a paragraph about two people doing an activity together, using "each other" correctly.
  3. Rewrite a sentence that incorrectly uses reciprocal pronouns with the correct pronoun.
  4. Fill in the blank with the correct reciprocal pronoun: "The students helped ____ study for the test."

How to Teach Reciprocal Pronouns in ESL Lessons

Teaching reciprocal pronouns to ESL students can be challenging. The first tip is to use visual aids, such as pictures or videos, to help students understand the concept of reciprocal actions. Another tip is to provide examples of sentences using reciprocal pronouns and have students identify them. The third exercise is to have students practice writing and saying sentences with reciprocal pronouns using real-life examples. And lastly, use games or activities to make learning fun!

Advanced Usage of Reciprocal Pronouns in Complex Sentences

Reciprocal pronouns can be used in complex sentences to convey more complex ideas. Here are some examples:

  • "The siblings, who had always been close, confided in each other about their deepest secrets."
  • "The team members, who had trained together for months, congratulated one another on their hard work."
  • "The couple, who had been married for years, still showed each other love every day."

Wrapping It Up

To wrap it up, mastering reciprocal pronouns is essential for effective communication. By following the rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing with exercises, every student and learner can become confident in using them correctly. So go ahead and start mastering those reciprocal pronouns today!

 

Date: March 26th, 2023

Rob - author of the article   Rob


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