My editor changes "each other" to "one another" and vice versa. He seems to be a stickler for this rule. Does anyone know the rule on which to use when, and why?
Each other vs. one another
- Thread starter CaroGirl
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Pretty sure "each other" is two people and "one another" is more than two.
But a quick Google says this is convention, not rule.
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/each-other-or-one-another.aspx
But a quick Google says this is convention, not rule.
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/each-other-or-one-another.aspx
This is what I have heard, too. However, I've also heard the phrases interchanged in everyday life, so I think it's not that big a deal which one you use.
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"Each other" is a reflexive pronoun, similar to himself, herself, etc. "One another", or alternately, "one to another" is not.
"Each other" suggests reciprocal action - you to me, and also me to you.
"One another" can, and often does suggest that, but does not have to.
"Each other" suggests reciprocal action - you to me, and also me to you.
"One another" can, and often does suggest that, but does not have to.