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When you’re writing quickly, it’s tempting to squish “each” and “other” together into one word: “eachother.” My students make this mistake every semester, and I catch it nearly every time. The truth is simple but absolute: “each other” must always be two separate words. There is no such word as “eachother” in English, and using it marks your writing as careless or unskilled.
I’ll explain the rule clearly, show you exactly when and how to use “each other,” and help you understand when “one another” is the better choice. You’ll also see how to spot this mistake in your own work and learn the grammar that makes this rule work.
Key Takeaways
- “Each other” is always two words — “eachother” is not a valid English word, no matter the context.
- Use “each other” for two people or things — “David and Sarah love each other.”
- Use “one another” for three or more — “David, Sarah, and John love one another” (though both are now acceptable for any number).
- The words are called reciprocal pronouns — they express actions shared back and forth between people.
- Memory hook — if you can replace the phrase with “mutually” or “in return,” you need a reciprocal pronoun.
The Golden Rule: “Each Other” Is Always Two Words
This is the foundational rule, and it has zero exceptions. In standard English, “each other” must always be written as two separate words. The phrase originates from combining the pronoun “each” (meaning every one individually) with the pronoun “other” (meaning different one). They remain separate.
Example 1: The two sisters texted each other about their plans.
Example 2: My colleagues and I help each other with difficult projects.
Example 3: The dancers moved with each other in perfect sync.
Remember: “Eachother” is never correct. Not in formal writing, not in informal text messages, not anywhere. If you’ve been writing it as one word, stop now. Every time you see or write this phrase, make it two words: each + other.
What “Each Other” Actually Means
Each other is a reciprocal pronoun — it shows that an action or feeling is shared back and forth between two or more people. For example, “Jack and Jill hate each other” means Jack hates Jill AND Jill hates Jack. The action goes both directions.
Example: The couple looked into each other’s eyes.
This means: He looked into her eyes, and she looked into his eyes. It’s reciprocal.
Example: The team members supported each other during the difficult project.
This means: Every member supported the others, and the others supported them back.
Two vs. Three or More: “Each Other” vs. “One Another”
The traditional grammar rule is simple: use “each other” for exactly two people, and “one another” for three or more.
| Situation | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two people | “Each other” | David and Sarah love each other. |
| Three or more people | “One another” | David, Sarah, and John love one another. |
| Group with clear pairs | “Each other” | The dancers moved with each other. |
| Large, general group | “One another” | Team members respect one another. |
Reality check: In modern English, the distinction between “each other” and “one another” has blurred. Many native speakers now use the terms interchangeably. However, in formal writing — business emails, academic essays, professional documents — the traditional two-vs.-three-or-more rule is still respected and expected.
The Possessive Forms: “Each Other’s” and “One Another’s”
When you want to show ownership or possession with these pronouns, you add an apostrophe and “s” to “other” or “another.” Notice that the apostrophe comes after the “r”.
Example 1: David and Sarah admire each other’s talents.
Example 2: The team members celebrated each other’s achievements.
Example 3: The group members shared one another’s concerns.
Common mistake: Don’t write “eachother’s” — the same rule applies. It’s always two words, so the possessive form is “each other’s” with the apostrophe on the second word.
✗ Incorrect: They complimented eachother’s work.
✓ Correct: They complimented each other’s work.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
✗ Incorrect: The two friends called eachother every day.
✓ Correct: The two friends called each other every day.
Why: “Each other” is always two words, no exceptions.
✗ Incorrect: The group members discussed their eachother’s ideas.
✓ Correct: The group members discussed each other’s ideas.
Why: “Each other” remains two words even in possessive form. Drop the unnecessary “their” as well.
✗ Incorrect: The dancers relied on eachother for balance.
✓ Correct: The dancers relied on each other for balance.
Why: “Each other” is never one word. Remember: two separate words, always.
Real Dialogue: When It Confuses Learners
Teacher: Kenji, I saw “eachother” in your essay. What’s going on?
Kenji: Oh, I thought it was one word because they go together, right? They’re related.
Teacher: I get that logic. But no — in English, “each” and “other” always stay separate. Even though they work together to mean “mutually” or “back and forth,” they’re two words.
Kenji: So it’s like “each other” but never combined?
Teacher: Exactly. Always two words, no matter what. “Each other,” “each other’s,” every time.
Practice Quiz: Each Other vs. Eachother
Quick Quiz
- The two friends hugged ________ at the airport. (each other / eachother)
- The team members supported ________ throughout the season. (each other / eachother)
- Sarah and Lisa texted ________ photos of their vacation. (each other’s / eachothers)
- The group members challenged ________ to think creatively. (one another / one another’s)
- The neighbors borrowed ________ tools and equipment. (each other’s / eachother’s)
Answers: 1. each other · 2. each other · 3. each other’s · 4. one another · 5. each other’s
When to Use “Reciprocal Pronouns” in Your Writing
Reciprocal pronouns like “each other” and “one another” appear naturally when you’re describing shared actions or feelings. Here are the most common contexts:
Mutual action: They waved at each other as the train left the station.
Shared feeling: The two children loved each other deeply.
Exchange: We exchanged contact information with each other.
Possession: The teammates relied on each other’s experience.
Communication: They texted each other about the meeting change.
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Confused Words (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “eachother” ever correct?
No. “Eachother” is never correct in standard English. The phrase must always be two separate words: “each other.” This applies to all contexts, formal or informal.
Should I use “each other” or “one another”?
The traditional rule is: “each other” for two people, “one another” for three or more. However, in modern English, both are widely accepted for any number. If you’re writing formally or for academic purposes, follow the traditional rule. Otherwise, either is fine.
What does “each other’s” mean?
“Each other’s” shows possession or belonging that is shared back and forth. For example, “They admired each other’s talents” means each person admired the talents of the other person(s).
Can I use “each other” and “one another” in the same sentence?
You can, but it would be unusual and potentially confusing. Stick to one reciprocal pronoun per sentence for clarity. For example: “The team members supported each other during the game” is clear; mixing both would muddle the meaning.
Is “eachothers” with an apostrophe correct?
No. The correct possessive form is “each other’s” (two words, with the apostrophe on “other”). “Eachothers” is incorrect on two counts: it’s one word (wrong) and it’s missing the apostrophe (also wrong).
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