Each Other vs. One Another

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and whenever I’m at home, my cat and I stare at one another. We also stare at each other. What’s the difference between “one” and “each” other? Well, it depends on who you ask. More specifically, it depends on what type of writing you’re doing. If you’re a journalist, that first version with “one another” probably grated on your ears, because Associated Press style dictates that “each other” is for two people and “one another” is for more than two. Chicago Style, which is my preferred guide, doesn’t seem to have an opinion. If you’re not following a style guide, however, and are simply trying to write a grammatically correct email asking for a raise, “each other” and “one another” mean the same thing. You could maybe elaborate and say that “one another” is less used and is generally considered to be more formal. That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.