Verb Agreement for Each

As a copy editor, one of the most common grammar rules that writers often find confusing is verb agreement for each. The rule is simple, but it requires a careful understanding of the word “each” and how it functions grammatically.

What is “each”?

“Each” is a pronoun that refers to every member of a group or collection. It is often used to emphasize individuality and separation, as in “Each person is unique.” It can also be used to refer to a specific number or quantity, as in “Each student is required to submit a report.”

Verb agreement with “each”

When using “each” in a sentence, the verb that follows should always be singular. This is because “each” refers to one thing at a time, so the verb must also refer to one thing.

For example, consider the following sentence: “Each of the students has submitted their report.” This sentence is incorrect because “their” is a plural pronoun, but “each” is singular. The correct sentence should read: “Each of the students has submitted his or her report.”

In cases where the gender of the subject is unknown or irrelevant, you can use the singular “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun. The corrected sentence would read: “Each of the students has submitted their report.”

Another example: “Each of the dogs is wagging their tail.” Again, this sentence is incorrect because “their” is a plural pronoun. Instead, you should write: “Each of the dogs is wagging its tail.”

Exceptions to the rule

There are instances when “each” does not require a singular verb. For example, when it is used to mean “both,” as in “Each of the twins went their own way.” In this case, “each” refers to two people, so the verb can be plural.

Another exception is when “each” is used in a comparison, as in “The cars are the same price, but each has different features.” The verb can be singular because it is referring to each car as a separate entity.

Final thoughts

Proper verb agreement with “each” is an essential part of good writing. It ensures clear and concise communication, making your writing more effective and less confusing. By following this simple rule, you can improve the quality of your writing and impress your readers.