Each Other vs. Each Other’s
Use “each other” as the reciprocal expression and “each other’s” before a noun to show reciprocal possession. Cambridge also notes that “each other” is written as two words; plain “each others” is not the possessive form.
Use “each other” for the reciprocal expression and “each other’s” as the possessive determiner before a noun, as in “each other’s work.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning | Form | Example pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocal relationship | each other | They helped each other. |
| Reciprocal possession before a noun | each other’s | They reviewed each other’s work. |
| Plain plural-looking form | each others | Do not use this as the standard possessive form. |
Quick tests
Possession test
Is a noun immediately following that belongs reciprocally to the people or things involved?
If yes: Use “each other’s.”
If no: Use the two-word reciprocal expression “each other.”
Caveat: The apostrophe marks possession; “each other” itself remains two words.
Examples
The neighbors help each other.
The expression describes a reciprocal action.
The neighbors borrowed each other’s tools.
The possessive form comes before the possessed noun “tools.”
They checked each others notes.
Better: They checked each other’s notes.
Reciprocal possession requires the apostrophe-s form.
Further guidance
Apostrophe Boundary
The apostrophe marks the possessive form: “each other’s ideas.” Do not form that possessive by writing “each others.”
Spacing Boundary
Write “each other” as two separate words; Cambridge explicitly warns against “eachother.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Each other, one another — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Grammar · Reciprocal expression each other and possessive determiner each other’s