Each other or One another: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: You might wonder whether to write each other or one another in your draft. The good news is that both phrases are correct and largely interchangeable. You can use either option without fear of making a grammatical error.
The Short Answer
Both each other and one another are correct and largely interchangeable in modern English. You may choose whichever phrase feels more natural for your specific sentence structure.
People often confuse these terms because older grammar guides claimed strict rules. Those guides suggested using each other for two people and one another for groups. Most modern style guides now reject this rigid distinction.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| each other | Correct | Describing mutual action between two or more entities |
| one another | Correct | Describing mutual action among a group or individuals |
| each others | Incorrect | Avoid adding an s to the end of this phrase |
| ones another | Incorrect | Never add an s to one in this reciprocal phrase |
Correct Example Sentences
- The two sisters hugged each other before leaving for college.
- The team members respected one another during the intense debate.
- Please tell the neighbors to watch each other's mail while away.
- The students in the class helped one another with the difficult math problem.
- The cats slept next to each other on the warm rug all afternoon.
- The diplomats shook hands and wished one another good luck on their missions.
- Roommates should clean up after each other to keep the apartment tidy.
- The voters chose candidates who promised to respect one another's differing opinions.
- The twins often finished each other's sentences during family dinner conversations.
- Colleagues should support one another to maintain a positive workplace environment.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- The dogs were chasing each others around the park.
- The dogs were chasing each other around the park.
- They should be kind to ones another always.
- They should be kind to one another always.
- The partners blamed each others for the project delay.
- The partners blamed each other for the project delay.
- The neighbors helped ones another with their gardens.
- The neighbors helped one another with their gardens.
- The friends shared their snacks with each others happily.
- The friends shared their snacks with each other happily.
- The employees treated ones another with great respect.
- The employees treated one another with great respect.
A Quick Test You Can Use
Check if the sentence describes a mutual action or feeling. If two or more parties are doing something to or for the recipient group, either phrase works. Focus on clarity and flow rather than counting the subjects involved.
Related Word Pairs
- affect vs effect
- Use affect as a verb and effect as a noun in most cases.
- their vs there vs they're
- Their shows possession, there indicates place, and they're is a contraction.
- its vs it's
- Its shows possession while it's is a contraction for it is.
- loose vs lose
- Loose means not tight and lose means to misplace or fail.
- then vs than
- Use then for time sequences and than for comparisons.
More Example Sentences
- The siblings played chess against each other every weekend.
- Neighbors often lend one another tools for home repairs.
- Each team member looked at the others to see who would take the lead.
- The diplomats shook hands and wished one another success in their negotiations.
- Students in the study group helped each other prepare for the final exam.
- The two friends finished one another's sentences during the lively debate.
- Employees should treat each other with respect in the workplace.
- The villagers gathered to support one another during the harsh winter months.
- The runners cheered for each other as they crossed the finish line.
- Partners in a business often share responsibilities with one another.
Quick Practice
The twins often finished sentences during dinner.
each other's
The committee members agreed to consult before making a decision.
one another
Please pass the salt to at the table.
each other
The dogs ran around in the backyard.
one another
They promised to keep informed about the project updates.
one another
The students compared answers after the test.
each other's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use each other for a group of people?
Yes, modern usage allows each other for groups of any size. You do not need to reserve it strictly for pairs of two individuals anymore.
Is one another more formal than each other?
Some writers feel one another sounds slightly more formal or literary. However, both are acceptable in professional and casual writing contexts today.
Why do old books say they are different?
Early grammar rules tried to enforce a distinction based on quantity. These strict rules have largely fallen out of favor in contemporary style guides.
Should I add an apostrophe to these phrases?
No, you should never add an apostrophe to each other or one another. They are fixed phrases that do not change form to show possession.
