In English grammar, subject-verb agreement is crucial for clarity and correctness. One common area of confusion is whether to use “each is” or “each are.”
Confused about “Each is” vs. “Each are”? The correct phrase is “Each is” because “each” is a singular pronoun that requires a singular verb.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of using “each” correctly, ensuring your writing remains clear and grammatically accurate.
Understanding “Each” in American English
Definition and Usage
“Each” is a singular pronoun used to refer to every individual item or person in a group, considered separately.
For example, in the sentence, “Each of the students has a book,” “each” emphasizes that every student individually possesses a book.
Historical Context
Historically, “each” has consistently been treated as a singular pronoun in English. This usage has been rooted in both formal and informal contexts, maintaining its role in ensuring precise subject-verb agreement.
Grammatical Role
“Each” functions as a determiner or a pronoun, affecting the verb form it accompanies. When “each” precedes a singular noun, it necessitates a singular verb. This adherence to subject-verb agreement is fundamental in maintaining grammatical correctness in both spoken and written English.
Distinguishing Between “Each Is” and “Each Are”
Basic Rules
The basic rule is straightforward: “each” is singular, so it should be followed by a singular verb. Therefore, “each is” is correct, while “each are” is incorrect.
Common Confusions
A common confusion arises when “each” follows a plural noun. For example, “The cookies each are delicious” is incorrect because “each” should be followed by “is” despite the plural noun “cookies.”
Examples
- Correct: “Each of the flowers is blooming beautifully.”
- Incorrect: “Each of the flowers are blooming beautifully.”
The Role of Subject-Verb Agreement
Importance
Subject-verb agreement ensures that sentences are grammatically correct and easily understood. Inconsistent subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Rule Application
When “each” is used as a subject, the verb must be singular. This rule applies universally in English grammar.
Examples
- Correct: “Each student is responsible for their own assignments.”
- Incorrect: “Each student are responsible for their own assignments.”
Clarifying with Singular and Plural Nouns
Usage with Singular Nouns
When “each” precedes a singular noun, it highlights individual items or people within a group. For instance, “Each book on the shelf is valuable” refers to every single book individually.
Usage with Plural Nouns
Even when “each” follows a plural noun, the verb remains singular. For example, “The members of the team each has a role to play” emphasizes individual responsibility within the group.
Examples
- Singular Noun: “Each child is unique.”
- Plural Noun: “The children each has a unique quality.”
Exceptions in Informal Speech
Colloquial Usage
In informal speech, people sometimes use “each are” due to colloquial habits. While this may be accepted in casual conversation, it remains grammatically incorrect.
Examples
- Informal: “Each of the cookies are tasty.”
- Formal: “Each of the cookies is tasty.”
Analysis
While informal exceptions occur, adhering to correct grammar in formal writing and speech is essential for clarity and professionalism.
Examples of “Each Is” in Formal Writing
Literary Examples
Literature often provides clear examples of correct grammar. For instance, in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the sentence “Each of the sisters is well-mannered” follows the rule perfectly.
Academic Writing
Scholarly articles also adhere to grammatical precision. A sentence like “Each participant is required to complete the survey” demonstrates proper usage.
Professional Documents
Business and legal documents maintain strict grammatical standards. “Each clause in the contract is binding” is an example from legal writing.
“Each Of” Explained: Singular or Plural?
Grammatical Rule
“Each of” should always be followed by a singular verb, even though it may refer to a group of items or people. For example, “Each of the players is ready for the game” is correct.
Examples
- Correct: “Each of the members is invited.”
- Incorrect: “Each of the members are invited.”
Common Mistakes
People often mistakenly use a plural verb due to the plural noun following “each of.” It’s crucial to remember that “each” governs the verb, not the plural noun.
Using “Each Of” with Collective Nouns
Definition of Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or items considered as a single entity, such as “team,” “family,” or “audience.”
Rules for “Each Of”
When using “each of” with collective nouns, the verb remains singular. For example, “Each of the team members is talented.”
Examples
- Correct: “Each of the family members is attending the reunion.”
- Incorrect: “Each of the family members are attending the reunion.”
The Influence of British and American Usage
Differences
While both British and American English treat “each” as singular, there are subtle differences in other grammatical areas. However, the usage of “each is” remains consistent across both dialects.
Examples
- American English: “Each of the cookies is delicious.”
- British English: “Each of the cookies is delicious.”
Analysis
Understanding these differences helps in recognizing that “each is” is universally accepted in English grammar.
Common Pitfalls: When to Use “Each Is”
Identifying Pitfalls
Common pitfalls include confusing “each” with plural subjects or misplacing the verb. For example, “Each of the cars are new” is incorrect.
Examples
- Correct: “Each of the cars is new.”
- Incorrect: “Each of the cars are new.”
Tips
To avoid pitfalls, always remember that “each” governs the verb, ensuring it remains singular regardless of the noun that follows.
The Pronoun “Each” with Gender-Neutral Pronouns
Modern Grammar
Incorporating gender-neutral pronouns like “they” can be tricky with “each.” The rule remains that “each” takes a singular verb, but the pronoun can be plural.
Examples
- Correct: “Each of the participants is bringing their own equipment.”
- Incorrect: “Each of the participants are bringing their own equipment.”
Discussion
Balancing grammatical rules with modern inclusivity can be challenging but adhering to subject-verb agreement ensures clarity.
Modern Usage and Acceptability
Current Trends
Modern English usage tends to be more flexible, but formal writing still requires strict adherence to grammatical rules. “Each is” remains the correct form in formal contexts.
Language Evolution
While language evolves, core grammatical rules like subject-verb agreement with “each” persist.
Examples
- Modern Media: “Each of the apps is user-friendly.”
- Everyday Speech: “Each of the apps is user-friendly.”
Each in Context: Relative Clauses and Group References
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses add more information about the noun. When “each” is used, it must still follow the singular verb rule.
Group References
Using “each” to refer to group members individually requires a singular verb. For instance, “Each of the team members is contributing.”
Examples
- Relative Clause: “Each of the students, who is participating in the project, will receive credit.”
- Group Reference: “Each of the athletes is ready for the competition.”
Understanding Relative Clauses with “Who” and “That”
Defining Clauses
Relative clauses beginning with “who” or “that” provide essential information about the noun they follow.
Usage with “Each”
When “each” is the subject, the verb in the relative clause must be singular. For example, “Each of the authors who is nominated will attend.”
Examples
- Correct: “Each of the members who is attending will receive a badge.”
- Incorrect: “Each of the members who are attending will receive a badge.”
Real-World Examples: “Each Is” in Literature and Media
Literature
In classic literature, authors consistently use “each is” to maintain grammatical accuracy. For example, in Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,” “Each of the characters is well-developed” follows this rule.
Media
Modern media, including news articles and blogs, adhere to this rule for clarity and professionalism. For instance, “Each of the nominees is expected to attend” is a correct usage.
Analysis
Analyzing real-world examples helps in understanding the consistent application of “each is” across different contexts.
FAQs
1. Why is “Each is” correct instead of “Each are”?
“Each” is singular, so it must be followed by a singular verb like “is” instead of “are.”
2. Can “Each are” ever be correct?
No, “Each are” is grammatically incorrect because “each” always takes a singular verb.
3. How do you use “Each is” in a sentence?
Example: “Each of the students is responsible for their assignments.”
4. Does “Each of” change the verb form?
No, even if “each of” is followed by a plural noun, the verb remains singular. Example: “Each of the players is ready.”
5. What is the difference between “Each one is” and “Each one are”?
“Each one is” is correct because “each one” refers to an individual, requiring a singular verb.
6. Is “Each has” correct?
Yes, “Each has” is correct because “each” is singular and must match a singular verb. Example: “Each of them has a role to play.”
Conclusion
Understanding the correct usage of “each is” versus “each are” is essential for mastering English grammar.
By recognizing that “each” is a singular pronoun and should be followed by a singular verb, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure clarity in your writing.
Whether in literature, academic writing, or everyday conversation, adhering to this rule will enhance your grammatical accuracy and communication effectiveness.
By following these guidelines and examples, you can confidently use “each is” correctly, ensuring your writing remains precise and professional.
