Exercice de Style: One Each
Notice is herewith given of the following stylistic convention:
- one another is used of couples and trios: “Lovers love one another.”
- each other is used of groups greater than three: “The gang members looked at each other before dropping their gaze in shame.”
I am aware that some writers reverse the terms. To my ear, however, “one” suggests “one other,” or at most two, while “each” suggests a series, and, by extension, a group. Which is all the post hoc propter that you’re going to get out of me. Style is ultimately indefensible.