I often come across questions about common mistakes and confusion in using certain words or phrases. One question that I frequently encounter is whether it should be “each other” or “eachother.” In this article, I will provide a proper explanation and a list of examples to clarify this confusion once and for all.
The correct way to write this phrase is “each other.” The two words should always be written separately, with a space between them. It is essential to remember that “each other” is a pronoun, and pronouns are always written as separate words in English.
To understand why “each other” is the correct form, let’s take a closer look at its meaning and usage. “Each other” is used to refer to reciprocal actions or relationships between two or more entities. It expresses the idea of mutual interaction or interdependence.
For example, consider the sentence “John and Mary love each other.” Here, “each other” indicates that the love is reciprocal between John and Mary. It implies that John loves Mary and Mary loves John in return. By using “each other,” we emphasize the mutual nature of their affection.
Similarly, in the sentence “The children helped each other with their homework,” “each other” highlights the reciprocal assistance provided by the children to one another.
Let’s dive deeper into some more examples to solidify our understanding:
1. Sarah and Lisa constantly compete against each other in tennis matches.
2. The sisters shared their secrets with each other.
3. The team members always support and encourage each other.
4. We should all strive to be kind to each other.
5. The two countries resolved their conflicts by finding common ground and respecting each other’s opinions.
In all of these examples, “each other” is used to denote reciprocity, mutual actions, or relationships. It is crucial in expressing the idea that the action or feeling goes both ways.
Now, let’s address the incorrect version, “eachother.” This form is not considered proper English and is not grammatically correct. Using “eachother” without a space between the words is a common mistake that many English learners make.
To illustrate why this error is incorrect, let’s consider an analogy. Think of the words “each other” as bricks in a wall. When separate, they stand firmly and provide support to the structure. But if we were to combine the bricks and write “eachother,” the wall would crumble. Similarly, when the words are spelled separately as “each other,” they maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy.
In conclusion, the correct form is “each other,” written as two separate words. It is essential to remember that “each other” is a pronoun used to express reciprocal actions or relationships. By using this phrase appropriately, we can communicate effectively and avoid common grammatical errors. Now that the confusion has been clarified, go ahead and confidently use “each other” to enhance your English language skills!