If you have ever paused mid sentence wondering whether to write “each is” or “each are,” you are not alone. This tiny word trips up native speakers, students, and even professional writers. The good news is that once you understand the logic behind “each,” the rule sticks with you forever.
In this guide, you will learn exactly when to use “each is,” why “each are” feels natural but is grammatically wrong, and how to handle tricky sentences involving plural nouns, pronouns, and collective nouns. By the end, you will never second guess this rule again.
Understanding What “Each” Really Means in American English
“Each” is a word that singles out individual members of a group. It does not describe the group as a whole. Instead, it points to one item, person, or thing at a time, even when the group itself is large.
This distinction matters because English grammar bases subject verb agreement on the actual subject of the sentence, not on nearby nouns that look plural.
Key points
- “Each” is grammatically singular, even when it refers to many things.
- It functions similarly to words like “every,” “any,” and “either.”
- The verb that follows “each” must also be singular.
- Plural nouns placed near “each” do not change the verb form.
Mini Example
Consider the sentence “Each student is responsible for their own project.” Even though a classroom has many students, “each” isolates them one by one, so the verb “is” fits correctly.
Why “Each Is” Is Grammatically Correct
The phrase “each is” follows the basic rule of subject verb agreement in American English. Since “each” behaves as a singular pronoun or determiner, the verb attached to it must match that singular form.
Think of “each” as shorthand for “every single one.” Nobody would say “every single one are ready.” The same logic applies to “each.”
Why the grammar rule is strict
Grammar rules around “each” exist to keep meaning precise. When a writer uses “each is,” the sentence clearly communicates that every individual item meets the same condition separately, rather than as a group action.
This matters most in formal writing, academic papers, legal documents, and professional emails, where clarity and precision carry real weight. A single verb mismatch can make a sentence look careless, even if the meaning is still understood.
Why “Each Are” Sounds Wrong in Standard English
“Each are” breaks the basic agreement rule because it pairs a singular subject with a plural verb. Even though it might slip out in casual conversation, it does not hold up under standard grammar review.
Why do people make this mistake?
Most people say “each are” because a plural noun often follows “each” in the sentence. Phrases like “each of the students,” “each of the players,” or “each of the items” contain plural nouns that trick the brain into expecting a plural verb.
However, the plural noun is part of a prepositional phrase. It is not the true subject of the sentence. “Each” remains the subject, and that keeps the verb singular.
Example
Take the sentence “Each of the workers are trained properly.” This looks fine at first glance because “workers” is plural. But the correct version should read “Each of the workers is trained properly,” since “each” still controls the verb.
“Each” with Singular and Plural Nouns
Understanding how “each” pairs with different noun types removes most of the confusion around this topic.
Pattern 1: Each + Singular Noun
When “each” directly precedes a singular noun, the sentence structure is simple and rarely causes mistakes.
- Each child is given a workbook.
- Each room is cleaned daily.
- Each employee has a badge.
Pattern 2: Each of + Plural Noun
This pattern causes far more confusion because a plural noun sits right before the verb.
- Each of the cars is parked outside.
- Each of the books is available online.
- Each of the applicants has submitted a resume.
Why do these take singular verbs?
In both patterns, “each” is doing the same grammatical job. It treats every member of the group as a separate, individual unit. The presence of a plural noun after “of” does not shift the responsibility of the verb away from “each.”
| Sentence Type | Example | Correct Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Each + singular noun | Each student is ready | is |
| Each of + plural noun | Each of the students is ready | is |
| Each + plural noun (incorrect use) | Each students are ready | avoid this structure |
“Each Of”: Singular or Plural?
The phrase “each of” causes the most disagreement among writers, largely because it visually pairs “each” with plural language.
Why does “each of” still need a singular verb?
Grammatically, “of the students,” “of the players,” or “of the items” functions as a modifying phrase. It describes which group “each” belongs to, but it does not become the subject. “Each” stays in control, so the verb agreement rule does not change.
Examples with correct verbs
- Each of the teachers is preparing lesson plans.
- Each of the machines was inspected yesterday.
- Each of the boxes has a label.
What about pronouns?
Pronouns that follow later in the sentence can behave differently depending on tone and modern usage. Many style guides now accept singular “they” as a gender neutral pronoun after “each,” even though the verb itself stays singular.
Example: “Each of the students should submit their assignment.” Here, “their” refers back to “each” in a gender neutral way, while “should submit” remains grammatically appropriate for a singular subject.
Using “Each” with Collective and Group Nouns
Collective nouns like “team,” “family,” “staff,” or “group” describe multiple people functioning as a single unit. When “each” appears with these nouns, the singular rule still applies.
Why not plural?
Even though a collective noun implies many people, “each” narrows the focus back to individual members. The sentence is not describing the group acting together. It is describing one member at a time.
Advanced example
“Each member of the committee is expected to vote individually.” Although “committee” suggests a group, “each” shifts attention to individual members, keeping the verb singular.
Informal Speech vs Formal Writing
Spoken English is often more relaxed than written English, and “each are” sometimes slips into everyday conversation without much notice.
In fast paced speech, listeners rarely catch small grammar slips, especially when a plural noun sits close to the verb. This is why phrases like “each are ready” can sound acceptable out loud, even though they would look incorrect on paper.
But in writing?
Written communication, especially formal writing, gives readers time to notice grammar errors. Resumes, essays, emails, and reports are judged more strictly than casual speech, so “each is” should always be the default choice in these settings.
Practical rule
- Speaking casually with friends: minor grammar slips are usually overlooked.
- Writing professionally: always default to “each is” for correctness.
- Academic or business writing: strict adherence to standard grammar rules is expected.
American vs British Tendencies
American and British English generally agree that “each” takes a singular verb. However, British English sometimes shows more flexibility with collective nouns overall, which occasionally spills into how writers treat group related sentences.
In American English, the rule is applied more consistently across formal and semi formal writing. If you are writing for a U.S. based audience, textbook, or professional document, “each is” remains the safest and most widely accepted choice.
“Each” with Pronouns and Modern Language
Modern English continues to evolve, especially around gender neutral language. Many writers now pair “each” with singular “they,” “their,” or “them” to avoid gendered pronouns like “his” or “her.”
Why this works
Using singular “they” after “each” does not break the subject verb agreement rule, since the verb tied directly to “each” stays singular. The pronoun simply reflects updated, inclusive language standards.
Examples
- Each employee must bring their own laptop.
- Each student should check their schedule.
- Each participant will receive their certificate.
This approach balances traditional grammar accuracy with modern communication norms, which is exactly why most current style guides accept it.
Relative Clauses with “Each”
Sentences with “each” sometimes include relative clauses, which can make grammar decisions feel more complicated than they actually are.
Common structures
- Each of the candidates who applied was interviewed.
- Each employee who finishes the training will receive a certificate.
- Each of the winners, who worked incredibly hard, deserves recognition.
Key rule
The verb inside the relative clause should agree with the noun it directly describes, while the main verb still agrees with “each.”
When to use “whom”
Use “whom” when the pronoun functions as an object within the clause, such as “each of the employees whom we interviewed.”
When to use “who”
Use “who” when the pronoun functions as the subject of the clause, such as “each of the employees who attended the meeting.”
Real Examples from Literature and Media
Formal and literary writing consistently follows the singular verb rule after “each.” Classic novels, academic texts, and professional journalism all reinforce this pattern.
- A sentence describing characters might read, “Each of the sisters is thoughtful and reserved.”
- A news report might state, “Each of the witnesses was questioned separately.”
- A legal document might specify, “Each clause in the agreement is binding.”
These examples reflect how deeply the singular agreement rule is embedded across different writing styles, from storytelling to formal reporting.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers occasionally slip up with “each.” Here are the most frequent mistakes and simple ways to correct them.
Mistake 1: Matching the verb to the plural noun
Writers often match the verb to the closest noun instead of the true subject. Always trace the sentence back to “each” before choosing a verb.
Mistake 2: Thinking “each” and “all” follow the same rules
“All” can take either a singular or plural verb depending on context, but “each” always stays singular. Do not apply “all” logic to sentences containing “each.”
Mistake 3: Overthinking long sentences
Long sentences with multiple clauses can make writers lose track of the subject. Reading the sentence slowly and identifying “each” as the anchor word solves this instantly.
Mistake 4: Using plural verbs because it “sounds natural” in speech
Speech patterns do not always reflect correct grammar. Written English should follow formal rules, regardless of how a sentence sounds when spoken quickly.
Mistake 5: Confusion with “every,” “any,” and “either”
These words behave similarly to “each” in most cases, but writers sometimes assume different rules apply. In reality, all four generally require singular verbs when used as subjects.
Quick Reference: When to Use “Each Is”
| Situation | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Each + singular noun | is | Each book is useful |
| Each of + plural noun | is | Each of the books is useful |
| Each with collective noun | is | Each member of the team is prepared |
| Each with pronoun “they” | is (main verb) | Each employee should bring their badge |
| Each in relative clause | is (main clause) | Each of the students who applied was accepted |
Whenever you see “each” functioning as the subject of a sentence, default to a singular verb. This single habit eliminates almost every common mistake associated with this rule.
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Conclusion
“Each” always calls for a singular verb, no matter how many plural nouns surround it. Once you recognize “each” as the true subject, choosing “is” over “are” becomes automatic. Keep this rule in mind, and your writing will stay clear, correct, and professional every time.
