Have you ever typed eachother as one word and paused for a second, wondering if it’s correct? You’re not alone.
This common spelling mistake trips up many English learners and native speakers alike.
Though “eachother” might look right, the correct spelling is actually two separate words: each other.
So why does this error keep happening, and how can you remember the right form? Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
Wondering if it’s “eachother” or “each other”? While the one-word version looks natural, only “each other” is correct in standard English. Learn why this mix-up happens—and how to always get it right.
Understanding the Term ‘Each Other’ in American English
In American English, “each other” is a reciprocal pronoun. It’s used when two or more people are performing an action mutually.
Examples:
- “They respect each other.”
- “We helped each other during the move.”
It represents a shared action or feeling between parties, making it essential for expressing interpersonal interactions.
The Common Misconception of ‘Eachother’ as One Word
Why does ‘eachother’ feel correct? Likely because in speech, we often blend the two words. Spell-check tools may miss it too, especially in informal settings like texts or social media posts. Over time, frequent misspellings on the internet have made “eachother” seem more acceptable than it is.
But here’s the truth:
📌 Eachother is not a recognized word in standard English dictionaries.
Always write it as two separate words.
Blurring the Lines in Pronunciation
When spoken, each other is often pronounced quickly, causing the two words to merge phonetically. This natural speech pattern leads many to assume it’s a single compound word.
Pronunciation Tip:
- [EECH-uh-thur] – quick, smooth, and fluid.
This blending is why visual learners or non-native speakers sometimes write “eachother” instead of “each other.” But remember: pronunciation ≠ correct spelling.
Similar Word Combinations in English
English has plenty of word pairs that look like they should be combined—but aren’t.
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Incorrect Form | Correct Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eachother | each other | Always two words |
| alot | a lot | Never one word |
| infact | in fact | Needs a space |
| everytime | every time | Only combined when used as adjective |
By recognizing similar patterns, you’ll be less likely to fall into the same trap.
Grammatical Rules for Using ‘Each Other’
Let’s get a bit more technical for a moment.
- Part of Speech: Reciprocal pronoun
- Usage: To indicate that two or more subjects act on one another
- Structure: Subject + Verb + each other
Examples:
- “The cats groom each other.”
- “They emailed each other daily.”
👉 You cannot place adjectives or modifiers between “each” and “other.” They function as a fixed phrase.
The Etymology of ‘Each Other’ and Its Usage Over Time
Historically, “each other” has been around since Middle English. It stems from:
- Each – from Old English ǣlc, meaning “every one.”
- Other – from Old English ōther, meaning “second” or “another.”
Put together, each other originally conveyed a sense of every one reciprocally to the other. Its usage has remained fairly consistent since the 14th century, a testament to how central it is to expressing mutual relationships.
Handy Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling of ‘Each Other’
Still catching yourself typing eachother? Try these mental tricks:
✅ Visual Trick: Picture two people facing one another. Two individuals = two words.
✅ Rhyming Cue: Each other helps one another.
✅ Tech Tip: Add “eachother” to your autocorrect dictionary with a rule to replace it with “each other.”
✅ Sticky Note Method: Write “each other” on a sticky note and place it near your keyboard or monitor. Repetition builds memory.
Examples of ‘Each Other’ in Sentences
Let’s drive it home with more real-world examples:
- “They looked at each other in surprise.”
- “We’ve known each other since college.”
- “My dogs play with each other all day.”
- “The contestants congratulated each other after the final round.”
- “Can we be honest with each other?”
These examples show that the phrase appears naturally in both casual and formal settings.
Correct Usage in Interpersonal Contexts
In relationships—whether romantic, professional, or familial—each other is a go-to phrase for expressing mutual care or action.
Examples in Relationships:
- “We support each other through tough times.”
- “They forgive each other’s mistakes.”
🧠 Grammar Tip: You can make “each other” possessive by adding ’s to the second word:
- ✔️ Correct: “They respect each other’s opinions.”
- ❌ Incorrect: “They respect each’s other opinions.”
‘Each Other’ in Professional and Academic Writing
In formal contexts, proper usage is key. Whether you’re drafting a research paper or sending a business email, correct grammar builds credibility.
Academic Example:
- “The researchers compared the results with each other’s findings.”
Business Example:
- “Departments must communicate with each other to ensure alignment.”
Never write “eachother” in these settings—it undermines professionalism and attention to detail.
Misuse of ‘Eachother’ in Popular Media and Digital Communication
You might come across “eachother” in blog comments, tweets, or YouTube captions. But just because it shows up online doesn’t mean it’s correct.
Where the error commonly appears:
- Informal texts and chats
- Auto-generated subtitles
- User comments on forums and social media
While social platforms tend to be more forgiving, repeated exposure to incorrect forms can erode your grammar instincts. It’s best to develop the habit of writing it correctly every time.
Enhancing Your English Vocabulary with the Correct Use of ‘Each Other’
Mastering small distinctions like each other vs eachother sharpens your writing and communication skills. Every accurate word you use strengthens your command of the language.
Here’s how else you can grow your vocabulary:
- Read high-quality publications that uphold grammar standards
- Use language learning apps like Grammarly or Merriam-Webster
- Practice with writing prompts focused on grammar precision
- Keep a personal “mistake log” to track and learn from errors
Language mastery is built on clarity and consistency. Using each other correctly is one small, but powerful, step.
❓FAQs Section
1. Is “eachother” one word or two?
It’s two words—“each other.” The single-word form “eachother” is incorrect in standard English grammar.
2. Why do people write “eachother” instead of “each other”?
Because the phrase is spoken quickly, the words often blur together, leading to spelling errors. However, “eachother” is not grammatically accepted.
3. Can I use “eachother” in informal writing?
Even in informal writing, it’s best to stick to the correct spelling: “each other.” Incorrect grammar can affect clarity and credibility.
4. What kind of pronoun is “each other”?
“Each other” is a reciprocal pronoun—used when two or more people act mutually toward one another.
5. How can I remember to write “each other” correctly?
Try the trick: “Two people = two words.” You can also set up autocorrect tools to fix “eachother” automatically.
6. Is it “each others” or “each other’s”?
The correct possessive form is “each other’s.” Example: They respect each other’s opinions.
Final Thoughts
Though eachother might seem like an innocent typo, it’s one worth correcting. Precision in language enhances understanding—and in a world where communication is key, every detail counts.
Remember:
👉 Two people = two words. Always write “each other.”
Want to take your English even further? Explore more grammar tips and easily confused words in our blog.
