Meaning & use
reciprocal actions
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Meanings
nounplural
actions in which two or more people or groups do the same thing to each other
Grammar: Usually plural; the singular form is 'reciprocal action'. Often used with 'of' or 'between'.
Patterns
- reciprocal actions between people
- reciprocal actions of love
- perform reciprocal actions
Hugging and kissing are reciprocal actions because both people are involved.
The treaty led to reciprocal actions between the two countries, such as lowering tariffs.
In grammar, verbs like 'meet' can describe reciprocal actions.
nounpluraltechnical
in grammar, a verb form or construction showing that two subjects do something to each other
Grammar: Used as a technical term in linguistics. Often appears in phrases like 'express reciprocal actions'.
Patterns
- express reciprocal actions
- use reciprocal actions
- reciprocal actions in a sentence
The pronoun 'each other' is used to express reciprocal actions.
In some languages, reciprocal actions are shown by a special verb ending.
Word forms
| singular | reciprocal action |
|---|
Common combinations
- reciprocal actions between
- There were reciprocal actions between the two teams, like exchanging gifts.
- express reciprocal actions
- The phrase 'each other' helps express reciprocal actions.
- a series of reciprocal actions
- The peace process involved a series of reciprocal actions.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mutual actions
- Very close in meaning, but 'mutual' often describes feelings or agreements, while 'reciprocal' focuses on the exchange itself.
- interactions
- Broader; 'interactions' can be one-sided, but 'reciprocal actions' must go both ways.
Opposites
Word family
- reciprocal adjective
- involving two people or groups who do the same thing to each other
- reciprocally adverb
- in a way that involves doing the same thing to each other
- reciprocity noun
- the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit
Commonly confused: reciprocal actions or reciprocal?
reciprocal actions vs reciprocal
This is the adjective; 'reciprocal actions' is the noun phrase. Don't use 'reciprocal' alone as a noun in standard English.
Practice
In English, 'each other' is often used to show ______.
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'reciprocal actions' is the standard plural noun for actions done to each other. 'Reciprocal action' is singular and would need 'a' or 'an' in this context, but the sentence refers to a general pattern, so the plural is better.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “reciprocal actions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.