Reciprocal pronouns

Reciprocal pronouns ( mutual pronouns ) are pronouns that are similar to reflexive pronouns , in that they are mostly used as an object in the sentence and refer back to a preceding part of the sentence (usually the subject). The meaning here, however, is of the type that reciprocal pronouns must refer to entire groups and state that the action mentioned takes place between members of the group among themselves.

In English, the form is another pure reciprocal pronoun. The (plural) reflexive pronouns (us, you, themselves) can also be used in a reciprocal meaning, which can be clarified with the addition of mutually .

example

The statement: "Heinz and Anne washed up " can be understood in several ways:

1. Heinz washed himself (himself). Anne washed (herself). - reflexively singular
2. Heinz washed her (Anne). Anne washed him (Heinz). - reciprocal singular
3. Heinz and Anne washed him (Heinz). Heinz and Anne washed her (Anne). - reflexive plural
4. Heinz washed her and himself. Anne washed him and herself.

For the statement: "Heinz and Anne washed each other ", however, only the second meaning is possible.

The subject can also consist of a plural word instead of several and linked members: "Soldiers kill each other" vs. "Soldiers kill themselves (themselves)".

Reciprocal pronouns in other languages

The ancient Greek word for each other, allelon , is made up of twice allos ( all-allon → allelon ), meaning "the other - the other".