In English grammar, we are often taught that ‘each’ is followed by a singular noun and verb. However, the phrase ‘each other’ might seem confusing. Why can we say ‘each other’ when ‘each’ seems to dictate singular forms? This article explains the reasoning behind this rule and clarifies the usage of ‘each’ and ‘each other.’
Why ‘Each’ Is Followed by a Singular Noun and Verb
The word ‘each’ is a distributive pronoun, meaning it refers to individual items or persons in a group. Since it treats every individual separately, it is followed by a singular noun and verb. For example, in the sentence ‘Each student has a book,’ ‘student’ is singular because we are considering each student individually.
Even though ‘each’ is referring to a group of people or things, it still treats them as separate entities, which is why the singular form is used in both the noun and the verb.
Understanding ‘Each Other’: The Plural Nature of the Phrase
‘Each other’ is a common phrase used to express a reciprocal action or relationship between two or more individuals. It is a fixed expression, and although ‘each’ suggests singularity, ‘each other’ refers to a mutual or reciprocal action between two or more subjects, which is why it is used in plural contexts.
For example, in the sentence ‘They help each other,’ the phrase ‘each other’ shows a mutual action between the individuals involved. Here, the use of ‘each’ in ‘each other’ does not imply singularity, but indicates the reciprocal relationship between the subjects.
Why Does ‘Each Other’ Work in This Context?
The phrase ‘each other’ operates differently from typical singular constructs because it expresses a sense of mutuality or interaction, which goes beyond the usual rule of using singular nouns after ‘each.’ While ‘each’ is singular, ‘each other’ refers to the collective relationship of the people involved, thus using it in a plural sense is grammatically acceptable.
In essence, ‘each other’ is treated as a set phrase in English, and its use does not violate the singular-plural rule typically associated with ‘each.’
When to Use ‘Each Other’ Correctly
‘Each other’ should be used when referring to a reciprocal action or relationship between two or more individuals. It is not used with singular entities alone. For instance, in the sentence ‘The two friends looked at each other,’ ‘each other’ indicates the mutual action between the two friends.
It’s important to remember that ‘each other’ is plural in meaning, even though ‘each’ suggests singularity. Thus, always use it to describe mutual actions or relationships.
Summary
In summary, ‘each’ is followed by a singular noun and verb because it refers to individuals separately. However, the phrase ‘each other’ represents a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more people, allowing for its plural usage. Understanding this distinction will help clarify the usage of ‘each’ and ‘each other’ in English grammar.
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