Each Other or Eachother: Which One Is Correct?

Answer: The correct spelling is “each other”two separate words. Many people mistakenly write it as “eachother,” but that is not standard English.

Have you ever wondered If it’s “each other” or “eachother”? This is a common question in English writing. People often get confused because it sounds like one word when spoken.

Correct usage matters in emails, essays, news, and social media. Knowing the right form helps avoid mistakes in professional or academic writing.

This article clears up the confusion, explains the origin of the phrase, compares British and American spelling, shows examples, highlights common mistakes, and guides you on which spelling to use.

Table of Contents

Each Other or Eachother: Quick Answer

Quick Answer: Always use “each other” (two words).

Meaning: It is used when two or more people or things act mutually.
Examples:
- “They looked at each other and smiled.”
- “The students helped each other with homework.”

❌ Incorrect: “They looked at eachother and smiled.”

Tip: If you can separate the words without changing the meaning, it’s correct.

The Origin of Each Other or Eachother

The phrase “each other” dates back to Middle English around the 14th century. Originally, it was written as two words to emphasize the mutual relationship between subjects.

Middle English example: “They love each other deeply.”
Reason for confusion: Over time, English evolved, and people started writing it as one word in informal settings. This informal spelling, “eachother,” became common online and in texting.

Key point: Dictionaries and style guides (Oxford, Cambridge, Merriam-Webster) confirm that the two-word form is correct in formal English. The single-word version is never standard in professional writing.

British English vs American English Spelling

Both British and American English use “each other” as two words. There is no official difference in this case.

Aspect	British English	American English
Correct Spelling	each other	each other
Incorrect Spelling	eachother	eachother
Usage Notes	Standard in formal writing, newspapers, and books	Standard in formal writing, academic papers, and media
Common Mistakes	Combining into one word	Combining into one word

Example Sentences:

UK: “They thanked each other for their support.”
US: “The teammates congratulated each other after the game.”

Bottom line: Both follow the two-word rule. The “eachother” version is informal and incorrect in both dialects.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Audience-based advice:

US English writers: Always use each other. It’s accepted in academic, business, and casual writing.
UK/Commonwealth English writers: Stick to each other in all writing. Newspapers, exams, and formal content prefer this.
Global audience: If your content targets international readers, each other is the universally correct choice.

Pro Tip: Avoid “eachother” in professional emails, reports, or social media captions that need credibility.

Common Mistakes with Each Other or Eachother

Many people confuse “each other” with “eachother” or misuse it with singular or plural subjects. Here are common mistakes and how to fix them:

Mistake: “They helped eachother.”
- ✅ Correct: “They helped each other.”
Mistake: “Each other is very kind.” (used as singular)
- ✅ Correct: “They treat each other very kindly.”
Mistake: Using “each other” for one person.
- ✅ Correct: Only use it when two or more subjects are involved.
Mistake: “We should love eachother’s ideas.”
- ✅ Correct: “We should love each other’s ideas.”
Mistake: Confusing with “one another”
- ✅ Correct: “Each other” is usually for two people, “one another” for more than two (though this rule is flexible today).

Each Other in Everyday Examples

1. Emails:

“Please make sure team members support each other during the project.”

2. News Articles:

“The neighbors greeted each other warmly after the festival.”

3. Social Media:

“We should lift each other up instead of tearing people down.”

4. Formal Writing:

“Students collaborated with each other to complete the research.”

Tip: Always use two words. It maintains clarity and professionalism.

Each Other – Google Trends & Usage Data

According to Google Trends:

Most searches: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Search spike: Common around back-to-school months and English exams.
Context: People search for this phrase to clarify spelling for essays, emails, and online content.

Observation: Misconceptions about “eachother” are more common in forums and social media.

Professional websites, blogs, and news portal almost always use “each other.”

Keyword Variations Comparison Table

Variation	Correct?	Notes	Example Sentence
each other	✅ Correct	Standard in all writing	“They trust each other.”
eachother	❌ Incorrect	Informal, nonstandard	“They trust eachother.”
one another	✅ Correct	Usually more than two	“The students helped one another.”
oneanother	❌ Incorrect	Informal	“They supported oneanother.”

FAQs About Each Other or Eachother

1. Can you write “eachother” in emails?

It is not correct. Always use “each other” for professional communication.

2. Is “eachother” accepted in UK English?

No. Dictionaries confirm it is nonstandard. Always use two words.

3. When should I use “each other” vs “one another”?

Traditionally, “each other” is for two people, “one another” for more than two. Modern usage is flexible.

4. Can “each other” be plural or singular?

Only plural. It refers to two or more people or things acting mutually.

5. Why do people write “eachother”?

People treat it like a single spoken word in informal writing. It’s common online and in texts.

6. Are there other phrases like “each other”?

Yes, “one another,” “mutually,” “reciprocally” can work in formal writing.

7. Can “each other” start a sentence?

Yes, e.g., “Each other they supported throughout the event.” Though less common, it’s grammatically correct.

Conclusion

The phrase “each other” is always two words. Writing it as “eachother” is informal and incorrect in professional English. Its origin in Middle English explains why it was written as two words from the beginning.

Both British and American English follow the same rule, so there’s no dialectal difference. You should use “each other” in emails, news articles, essays, blogs, and social media posts.

Common mistakes include treating it as singular, combining it into one word, or confusing it with “one another.” Correct usage makes your writing clear, professional, and credible.

For international audiences, sticking with the two-word version ensures your content is universally accepted.

Remember, if you ever hear it as one word in speech, write it as two words in writing. Clear, correct English builds trust and authority in your communication.

By following these guidelines, you will never second-guess your spelling and can write confidently.