Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The sentence "They cheated each another" presents a common grammatical error in English. While seemingly innocuous, the correct phrasing requires a reflexive pronoun to accurately convey the reciprocal nature of the action. Understanding the distinction between 'each other' and 'one another' is crucial for precise communication. This answer will dissect the error, provide the corrected sentence, and explain the grammatical principles involved, demonstrating a command of English language skills essential for effective written communication, particularly in the context of the UPSC examination.
Identifying the Error
The original sentence, "They cheated each another," is grammatically incorrect. The phrase "each another" is an archaic and incorrect form. Modern English usage dictates the use of "each other" or "one another" to express reciprocal actions.
Corrected Sentence and Explanation
The correct sentence is: "They cheated each other."
Here's a breakdown of why this correction is necessary:
- Reciprocal Pronouns: "Each other" and "one another" are reciprocal pronouns. They are used when the action of a verb is reciprocally applied – meaning each person in a group performs the action to the others.
- 'Each other' vs. 'One another': While often used interchangeably, "each other" is generally preferred when referring to two individuals, while "one another" is used for three or more. In this case, 'they' implies more than two people, but 'each other' is still acceptable and more common.
- Reflexive Pronoun Requirement: The verb "cheat" in a reciprocal context requires a reflexive pronoun to indicate that the cheating was done *to* each other. "Each another" doesn't function as a valid reflexive pronoun.
Grammatical Rules Illustrated
The error highlights the importance of understanding pronoun case and function. Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) are formed by adding "self" to a personal pronoun. They are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same. In this case, the individuals are both the cheaters and the cheated.
Illustrative Examples
- Correct: The children helped each other with their homework.
- Correct: The team members supported one another during the competition.
- Incorrect: They blamed each another for the mistake.
- Correct: They blamed each other for the mistake.
Historical Context
The use of "each another" was more common in older forms of English, particularly before the 19th century. However, modern English grammar standards have established "each other" and "one another" as the correct forms for expressing reciprocal actions. Adhering to these standards is crucial for clear and effective communication, especially in formal writing like the UPSC Mains examination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sentence "They cheated each another" is grammatically incorrect due to the improper use of a reciprocal pronoun. The correct phrasing, "They cheated each other," accurately conveys the reciprocal nature of the action. A strong understanding of pronoun usage, particularly reflexive and reciprocal pronouns, is essential for demonstrating proficiency in English language skills, a critical component of success in the UPSC examination. Maintaining adherence to modern grammatical standards ensures clarity and precision in written communication.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.