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Reciprocal Pronouns – Quiz 1
Reciprocal Pronouns Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and use reciprocal pronouns correctly, including understanding mutual actions between subjects and singular vs. plural antecedents in sentences. It also tests skills in reflexive pronoun usage and subject-verb agreement.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
The children will have to look after ..... because their parents won't be at home this evening.
A) Themself.
B) They.
C) Themselves.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Themselves.
This sentence requires a reciprocal pronoun that agrees with the subject "the children." The reflexive pronoun "themselves" is used to indicate an action done by the subjects upon themselves, which fits perfectly in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Themself" is not a correct form of reciprocal pronoun.
Option B:
"They" is a subject pronoun and does not function as a reflexive or reciprocal pronoun in this context.
Option C:
"Themselves" correctly refers back to the children, indicating they will take care of themselves because their parents are not home.
Option D:
This option is incorrect since "themselves" is the appropriate choice.
2.
What is the best way to complete this sentence:'The partners always cover ..... mistakes.'?
A) Each other's.
B) One another's.
C) One another.
D) Each other.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The partners always cover ..... mistakes." uses a reciprocal pronoun, indicating that each partner covers the mistakes of the other. The correct form is "each other's," which shows mutual action between the subjects. Therefore, Option A) Each other's is the best choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses reciprocal pronoun "each other's" to indicate mutual covering of mistakes.
Option B:
Incorrect. "One another's" can be used but is less common in this context compared to "each other's."
Option C:
Incorrect. "One another" does not include the possessive form needed for the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Each other" lacks the possessive form necessary to indicate covering of mistakes.
3.
Complete the sentence:During the meeting, the members discussed the proposal with ..... to reach a decision.
A) Each other.
B) One another.
C) Himself.
D) Itself.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Each other" and "one another" are reciprocal pronouns used to indicate mutual action between two or more subjects. In this sentence, the members of a group are discussing with each other to reach a decision, which implies mutual interaction. Therefore, "one another" is the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Each other" can also be used in similar contexts but "one another" sounds more formal and is often preferred in written English.
Option B:
Correct. Indicates mutual action between the members of a group.
Option C:
"Himself" and "itself" are reflexive pronouns used for singular subjects, not applicable here.
Option D:
Reflexive pronoun, not suitable in this context.
4.
What does one another mean
A) When three organisms are connected someway.
B) This answer is retired.
C) Each other.
D) Another one.
E) It means two people.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Another one" refers to a second instance of something, not the first but an additional one. It is used when you want to indicate that there is more than just one of something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "One another" means each other or mutually, often in reference to two or more people or things.
Option B:
Correct. This answer is retired and not relevant here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Each other" refers to mutual action between two or more entities.
Option D:
Correct. "Another one" means an additional instance of something, not the first but a second or subsequent one.
Option E:
Incorrect. This does not accurately describe what "one another" means.
5.
Complete the sentence:The siblings often play tricks on .....
A) Each other.
B) One other.
C) One another.
D) Each another.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The siblings often play tricks on each other" is correct because it uses the reciprocal pronoun "each other," which indicates that both subjects are performing the action back and forth to one another. This usage is appropriate for showing mutual interaction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the reciprocal pronoun "each other" indicating mutual action.
Option B:
Incorrect. "One other" implies an additional person, not mutual action between siblings.
Option C:
Incorrect. "One another" is synonymous with "each other," but Option A uses the more common form in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Each another" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "each other."
6.
In which sentence is the reciprocal pronoun used incorrectly?
A) The classmates knew one another well.
B) The team members ignored themselves.
C) The siblings ignored each other.
D) The neighbors helped each other.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Reciprocal pronouns are used to indicate that the action is mutual between the subjects involved. In option B, "The team members ignored themselves," this sentence incorrectly uses a reciprocal pronoun because it implies that the team members ignored their own individual selves, which does not make logical sense in the context of teamwork.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct use of "one another."
Option B:
Incorrect use of reciprocal pronoun.
Option C:
Correct use of "each other."
Option D:
Correct use of "each other."
7.
Which pair of words are both reciprocal pronouns?
A) Themselves, himself.
B) Herself, himself.
C) Myself, ourselves.
D) Each other, one another.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Reciprocal pronouns are used when two or more people perform the same action on each other. "Each other" and "one another" both indicate mutual actions between individuals, making them correct reciprocal pronouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Themselves, himself - These are reflexive pronouns used when a subject performs an action on itself or itself as the object of a verb.
Option B:
Herself, himself - Same as Option A; these are also reflexive pronouns and not reciprocal pronouns.
Option C:
Myself, ourselves - These can be used in both reflexive (Myself) and reciprocal contexts (ourselves), but they do not fit the definition of mutual action between two or more people as well as "each other" and "one another."
Option D:
Each other, one another - Both are correct reciprocal pronouns used to indicate that each person in a group performs an action on every other member of the same group.
8.
They were happy for ..... after they won the game.
A) Myself.
B) Themselves.
C) Ourselves.
D) Yourselves.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They were happy for themselves after they won the game" uses a reciprocal pronoun correctly. The word "themselves" is used to indicate that the happiness was experienced by the subjects ("they") in relation to each other, which fits the context of their shared achievement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "myself" refers to a single person.
Option B:
Correct; "themselves" is appropriate for multiple people sharing an experience.
Option C:
Incorrect; "ourselves" implies the happiness was shared with others not mentioned in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect; "yourselves" refers to a different group of people.
9.
We smiled ..... each other as we said hello.
A) At.
B) To.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The reciprocal pronoun "each other" indicates mutual action between the subjects. In this sentence, both speakers are smiling at each other and saying hello to each other. Therefore, the preposition that correctly fills in the blank is "at," as we smile at someone when engaging in a mutual exchange of friendly gestures.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. We use "at" with reciprocal pronouns like "each other" to indicate mutual action.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To" is not appropriate in this context for reciprocal actions.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are incorrect; only A fits the sentence structure correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option A.
10.
She looked behind ..... because she thought she was being followed.
A) Itself.
B) Her.
C) Herself.
D) Her own.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a reflexive pronoun to indicate that the action of looking is performed by the subject herself. "Her" is used as an adverbial pronoun here, modifying the verb "looked." It correctly shows that she looked behind her own body.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Itself" refers to a reflexive action of a singular noun, not applicable in this context.
Option B:
Correct. "Her" is the correct reflexive pronoun used here as an adverbial pronoun modifying the verb "looked."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Herself" would be redundant and incorrect in this context, as it refers to a singular noun performing its own action.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Her own" is not necessary here; the reflexive pronoun alone suffices.
11.
We helped ..... to the coffee.
A) Myself.
B) Themselves.
C) Ourselves.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We helped ourselves to the coffee" uses a reciprocal pronoun, "ourselves," which refers back to the subjects "we." This indicates that the group of people included each other in the action of helping themselves to the coffee.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Myself - Incorrect. "Myself" is a reflexive pronoun used for singular subjects and does not apply here.
Option B:
Themselves - Incorrect. "Themselves" would be used if the action was directed towards another group, which is not the case in this sentence.
Option C:
Ourselves - Correct. This reciprocal pronoun accurately reflects that the group helped each other to the coffee.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. "Ourselves" is the correct answer, so this option is not applicable.
12.
Choose the sentence that properly uses a reciprocal pronoun.
A) They built the project by themselves.
B) The students helped each other with homework.
C) She organized the files herself.
D) The dog and the cat ignored one another.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B correctly uses the reciprocal pronoun "each other." This indicates that the students helped in a mutual way, with both parties benefiting from the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses reflexive pronoun "themselves," not a reciprocal pronoun.
Option B:
Correct use of reciprocal pronoun "each other."
Option C:
Uses reflexive pronoun "herself," not a reciprocal pronoun.
Option D:
Describes mutual inaction, not using a reciprocal pronoun.
13.
Reciprocal pronouns need a plural antecedent (the noun they refer to). Which sentence has an error because the antecedent is singular?
A) The players passed the ball to one another.
B) My parents still write letters to each other.
C) Mariah looked at each other in the funhouse mirror.
D) The kids in my class are friendly with one another.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Mariah looked at each other in the funhouse mirror" is incorrect because it uses a singular antecedent ("Mariah") with the reciprocal pronoun "each other." Reciprocal pronouns require plural antecedents.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The noun "players" is plural, matching the plural reciprocal pronoun "one another."
Option B:
Correct. The noun "parents" is plural, matching the plural reciprocal pronoun "each other."
Option C:
Incorrect. The singular antecedent "Mariah" does not match the plural reciprocal pronoun "each other." It should be "looked at one another."
Option D:
Correct. The noun "kids" is plural, matching the plural reciprocal pronoun "one another."
14.
He should be really proud of .....
A) Herself.
B) Himself.
C) Itself.
D) Each other.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The reciprocal pronoun "himself" is used to indicate that the subject performs an action on itself, which fits well with the context of someone being proud of themselves. Therefore, option B) Himself is correct because it shows a person performing an action (being proud) back onto himself.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Herself - Incorrect; used for females, not applicable here.
Option B:
Himself - Correct; indicates the subject performs the action on itself.
Option C:
Itself - Incorrect; typically used when referring to inanimate objects or animals, not humans.
Option D:
Each other - Incorrect; used for mutual actions between two subjects, not applicable here.
15.
Mike and I write to each ..... every week.
A) Another.
B) Other.
C) Others.
D) The others.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Mike and I write to each other every week." uses a reciprocal pronoun, which indicates that the action is mutual between both subjects. The correct reciprocal pronoun in this context is "other," as it refers back to both Mike and the speaker.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Another - This option does not fit because "another" implies a singular subject and does not indicate mutual action.
Option B:
Other - Correct. It indicates that both subjects perform the action mutually towards each other.
Option C:
Others - Incorrect. This would imply multiple people, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option D:
The others - Incorrect. Similar to "others," it implies a group of more than two, which is not applicable here.
16.
Which sentence best demonstrates the use of a reciprocal pronoun?
A) They looked at each other and laughed.
B) She herself completed the assignment.
C) The cat and the dog ignored themselves.
D) He gave himself a present.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) They looked at each other and laughed.
This sentence uses the reciprocal pronoun "each other," indicating that the action (looking) was mutual between the subjects ("they").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "each other" to show mutual action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses a reflexive pronoun "herself," not reciprocal.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses "themselves," which is reflexive, not reciprocal.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses "himself," which is reflexive, not reciprocal.
17.
Once a week, I cook dinner for Rafael and he cooks dinner for me.
A) We cook for each other.
B) We cook for ourselves.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Once a week, I cook dinner for Rafael and he cooks dinner for me." demonstrates the use of reciprocal pronouns ("for each other"). This indicates that both subjects perform the action on one another in return.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence shows mutual cooking where each person cooks for the other.
Option B:
Incorrect. It does not indicate they cook for themselves, but rather for each other.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct based on the given sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
18.
Nosotros no ..... (pelearse) en la escuela.
A) Nos peleas.
B) Se pelean.
C) Nos peleamos.
D) Se pelea.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Nosotros no nos peleamos en la escuela" uses the reciprocal pronoun "nosotros" (we) in its reflexive form, which is "nos" (us). This indicates that each person involved performs the action on themselves. The correct answer is
C) Nos peleamos
because it correctly forms the negative statement with the appropriate conjugation and placement of the pronoun.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Nos peleas" does not match the subject-verb agreement in Spanish.
Option B:
Incorrect as "Se pelean" is used for third-person subjects, not first-person plural.
Option C:
Correct as it uses the appropriate reflexive form and negative structure.
Option D:
Incorrect as "Se pelea" does not match the subject-verb agreement in this context.
19.
The students make so much noise as neither of their teachers ..... arrived.
A) A. have.
B) B. has.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a singular verb form because "neither of their teachers" is treated as a single unit in this context, indicating that the action (arriving) applies to both teachers equally. Therefore, "has" is correct here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "have" would be plural and thus wrong.
Option B:
Correct; "has" is singular and fits the context of reciprocal pronouns.
Option C:
Incorrect; both options A and B are correct, so this option does not apply.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct answer among the choices provided.
20.
If you and Erica talk to ..... , I'm sure you'll become friends again soon.
A) Myself.
B) Each other.
C) Yourself.
D) Themselves.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B "Each other" is correct because it indicates mutual action between the two subjects, "you" and "Erica." Reciprocal pronouns like "each other" are used to show that both parties involved perform an action towards one another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Myself refers to a single person performing an action on themselves. It does not fit the context of two people talking to each other.
Option B:
Each other correctly shows mutual interaction between "you" and "Erica."
Option C:
Yourself is similar to myself, referring to a single person. It's not appropriate for this sentence structure.
Option D:
Themselves would imply that Erica and you are talking to some other group of people, which doesn't fit the context.
21.
I ..... to some of the free perfume samples.
A) Was myself.
B) Gave myself.
C) Helped myself.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I helped myself to some of the free perfume samples" uses a reciprocal pronoun, specifically "myself." This indicates that the action (helping) was done by the subject (I) on themselves. Therefore, Option C is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "was myself" does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option B:
Incorrect as "gave myself" implies an action of giving which is not the intended meaning here.
Option C:
Correct as it uses a reciprocal pronoun to indicate self-action.
Option D:
Incorrect as Option C is valid.
22.
Identify the reciprocal pronoun in the sentence:'The friends promised to help each other with their homework.'
A) Homework.
B) Each other.
C) Friends.
D) Promised.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The reciprocal pronoun in the sentence is "each other." This phrase indicates that the action of helping is mutual between the subjects (the friends).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Homework is a noun, not a pronoun. It does not indicate reciprocity.
Option B:
Correct. "Each other" is a reciprocal pronoun indicating mutual action between the subjects.
Option C:
Friends are nouns, not pronouns. They do not function as reciprocal pronouns in this sentence.
Option D:
Promised is a verb and does not indicate reciprocity; it simply states an action taken by the subject.
23.
We warned ..... about the sale at that store.
A) Each other.
B) One another.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We warned one another about the sale at that store" uses a reciprocal pronoun, which indicates an action performed by each subject on the other. In this case, "one another" is used to show that each person in the group warned every other person.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Each other" can also be correct for reciprocal actions but does not fit as well with the context of a group warning.
Option B:
Correct, as it accurately reflects that each person warned every other person in the group.
Option C:
Incorrect, since "one another" is the appropriate reciprocal pronoun here.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
24.
Young entrepreneurs should used to/be able to work in a team.
A) Used to.
B) Be able to.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence should focus on the capability of young entrepreneurs to work in a team, which is better expressed using "be able to." This construction emphasizes their current capacity or potential to perform the action. "Used to" implies a past habit that no longer exists, making it unsuitable for this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Implies a past habitual behavior not relevant here.
Option B:
Correct. Emphasizes current capability or potential to work in a team.
Option C:
Incorrect. Includes an option (A) that is incorrect.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid, so this cannot be correct.
25.
Laila prepared ..... for the speech by looking at the notes she had made.
A) Herself.
B) Ourselves.
C) Themselves.
D) Yourself.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Laila prepared
herself
for the speech by looking at the notes she had made. The reflexive pronoun "herself" is used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person, which is the case here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Laila prepared herself for the speech.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Ourselves" refers to a group of people, not an individual.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Themselves" is used when referring to a third person, which does not apply here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Yourself" would be correct if the sentence were about you, but it's about Laila in this case.
26.
My mom and my aunt stay in touch ..... (informal)
A) Each other.
B) One another.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The reciprocal pronoun "each other" is used to indicate that the action, feeling, or state applies reciprocally between two people. In this sentence, "My mom and my aunt stay in touch," it implies that both parties are communicating with each other.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Each other" is appropriate here as it shows mutual interaction.
Option B:
Incorrect. "One another" can be used interchangeably with "each other," but in this context, "each other" is more commonly used and sounds more natural.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only "each other" fits the sentence correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is not "None of the above."
27.
Good friends take care of .....
A) One another.
B) Itself.
C) Each other.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Reciprocal pronouns are used to indicate that the action is mutual between two or more people. In this sentence, "Good friends take care of" implies a mutual action where both parties benefit from each other's care. Therefore, the correct answer is
C) Each other
.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it suggests one friend taking care of another without mutual action.
Option B:
Incorrect as "Itself" implies self-care, not mutual care between friends.
Option C:
Correct as it indicates a mutual relationship where both friends take care of each other.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
28.
In the sentence, 'The family members rely on one another for support, ' what does the pronoun 'one another' refer to?
A) Each individual member of the family in relation to the others.
B) Just one person in the family.
C) The concept of support.
D) Someone outside the family.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The pronoun "one another" in the sentence refers to each individual member of the family in relation to the others, indicating mutual support among all members.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It denotes reciprocal relationship where every family member supports each other.
Option B:
Incorrect. "One another" implies mutual interaction between multiple individuals, not just one person.
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence is about the support among family members, not the concept of support itself.
Option D:
Incorrect. It does not refer to someone outside the family but within it for mutual support.
29.
Complete the sentence:The friends gave ..... gifts for the holidays.
A) One another.
B) Each other.
C) Each other's.
D) One another's.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Each other.
This option correctly uses the reciprocal pronoun "each other" to indicate that each friend gave a gift to every other friend, forming a mutual exchange of gifts during the holidays. The phrase "each other" is appropriate here because it shows reciprocity without implying possession.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"One another" is also correct and can be used interchangeably with "each other." However, in this context, "each other" sounds more natural.
Option C:
"Each other's" would imply that the friends gave gifts to each other’s possessions or properties, which does not fit the sentence structure. It suggests a different meaning altogether and is therefore incorrect.
Option D:
"One another's" is grammatically similar to Option C and also implies possession, making it an incorrect choice for this sentence.
30.
Neither of her parents ..... with her decision to get married at the age of 17!
A) A. agrees.
B) B. agree.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a plural verb form because "parents" is a plural noun, indicating that both parents are involved in the action. Therefore, the correct answer should use "agree," which is the plural form of the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses singular verb "agrees."
Option B:
Correct. Uses plural verb "agree."
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests both answers are correct, which is not the case.
Option D:
Incorrect. Indicates no answer is correct, which contradicts the context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are reciprocal pronouns?
Reciprocal pronouns, such as "each other" and "one another," are used to indicate that two or more people or things are performing the same action back and forth to each other.
How do reciprocal pronouns differ from reflexive pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns, like "himself," "herself," and "themselves," refer back to the subject of a sentence or clause. Reciprocal pronouns, such as "each other" and "one another," indicate mutual action between subjects.
Can reciprocal pronouns be used in any sentence?
Reciprocal pronouns are typically used when two or more people or things are performing the same action back and forth to each other. They are not necessary in every sentence, as they can sometimes be implied.
What is antecedent agreement with reciprocal pronouns?
Antecedent agreement means that the subject of a sentence or clause must agree in number (singular or plural) with its corresponding reciprocal pronoun. For example, "The students helped each other" correctly uses a singular antecedent ("students") and a plural reciprocal pronoun ("each other").
Are there any common mistakes when using reciprocal pronouns?
Common mistakes include overusing or misplacing reciprocal pronouns, which can make sentences confusing. It's important to ensure that the meaning is clear and that the pronoun usage aligns with the intended mutual action between subjects.