Choosing between “each is” and “each are” can be confusing, even for fluent English speakers. You may hear both forms in everyday conversations, movies, or online, making it difficult to know which one is actually correct. In Each Is or Each Are? The Complete Guide, you will learn the simple grammar rule that helps you choose the right form with confidence.
The confusion happens because each refers to more than one person or thing, but it always focuses on every individual separately. That is why it takes a singular verb in standard English. Once you understand this basic idea, many common grammar mistakes become much easier to avoid in writing and speaking.
This guide explains the difference between each is and each are with clear examples, practical tips, and easy-to-follow explanations. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone who simply wants to improve your English, this complete guide will help you write more accurately and speak with greater confidence.
What Does “Each” Mean in English?
The word “each” means every individual person, object, or member of a group considered separately. Instead of looking at a group as one unit, “each” divides the group into individual parts.
For example:
- Each student received a certificate.
- Each employee has a specific responsibility.
- Each flower in the garden looks different.
In these sentences, the group may contain many students, employees, or flowers. However, the sentence focuses on one person or thing at a time.
A helpful way to remember “each” is to think of it as a spotlight. The spotlight does not shine on the entire crowd at once. It moves from one person to another, highlighting every individual separately.
Each vs All: Understanding the Difference
Although each and all can refer to groups, they create different meanings.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Each | Focuses on individuals separately | Each worker has a desk. |
| All | Focuses on the entire group together | All workers have desks. |
Compare these examples:
Each customer received a discount.
This means every customer individually received a discount.
All customers received a discount.
This focuses on the group as a whole.
Both sentences can be correct, but the emphasis changes.
Is Each Singular or Plural?
The biggest grammar rule about “each” is simple:
Each is singular when it acts as the subject of a sentence.
Because “each” refers to individuals one by one, it requires a singular verb.
Correct examples:
- Each person is important.
- Each student has a unique ability.
- Each book contains valuable information.
Incorrect examples:
- ❌ Each person are important.
- ❌ Each student have a unique ability.
- ❌ Each book contain valuable information.
Many writers make mistakes because “each” often appears with plural nouns.
For example:
Each of the players is ready.
The word players is plural, but it does not control the verb. The subject is each, so the verb must remain singular.
Each Is or Each Are: Which One Is Correct?
The correct phrase in American English is:
Each is
The phrase “each are” is generally incorrect because “each” requires a singular verb.
Examples:
✅ Each is responsible for completing the assignment.
✅ Each is different from the others.
✅ Each is important to the final decision.
Incorrect:
❌ Each are responsible for completing the assignment.
The reason is that “each” means every single one individually. Even if you are talking about hundreds of people, the grammar stays singular.
For example:
The company interviewed 1,000 applicants, and each is qualified.
The number of applicants does not change the verb. The focus remains on every applicant separately.
Why Do People Say “Each Are”?
The mistake happens because people naturally look at the noun that appears nearby.
Consider this sentence:
❌ Each of the employees are working today.
The brain notices the word employees, which is plural, and automatically chooses are.
However, the correct sentence is:
✅ Each of the employees is working today.
The phrase “of the employees” only adds information. It does not change the subject.
A useful trick is to remove the extra words:
Each of the employees is working today.
Remove “of the employees”:
Each is working today.
Now the correct verb becomes obvious.
Each of Them Is or Each of Them Are?
One of the most common grammar questions is whether to write:
- Each of them is
- Each of them are
The correct form is:
Each of them is
Examples:
- Each of them is talented.
- Each of them has a different skill.
- Each of them was invited to the event.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Each of them are talented.
- ❌ Each of them have a different skill.
The phrase “of them” does not make “each” plural. It only explains who the individuals are.
Sentence Breakdown
Look at this sentence:
Each of the students has completed the project.
| Part | Function |
| Each | Main subject |
| of the students | Additional information |
| has | Singular verb |
The verb always agrees with the true subject, not the closest noun.
Each Person Is or Each Person Are?
The phrase “each person” follows the same rule.
Correct:
- Each person is responsible.
- Each person has a different opinion.
- Each person receives a confirmation email.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Each person are responsible.
The word person is already singular, so the correct verb choice becomes easier.
You will often see “each person is” in formal writing, workplace policies, and instructions.
Example:
Each person is required to complete the safety training before starting work.
This sentence sounds professional because the subject and verb agree correctly.
Each Student Is or Each Student Are?
Students often encounter this grammar rule in school assignments and academic writing.
The correct structure is:
Each student is
Examples:
- Each student is expected to participate.
- Each student has a different learning style.
- Each student receives feedback from the teacher.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Each student are expected to participate.
Although a classroom contains many students, “each” separates them into individuals.
A teacher might say:
“Each student has different strengths and challenges.”
The sentence focuses on students individually, not as one group.
Each of the Students Is or Are?
This structure creates confusion because it contains a plural noun.
Correct:
✅ Each of the students is prepared.
Incorrect:
❌ Each of the students are prepared.
The rule is:
Each of + plural noun + singular verb
Examples:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Each of the employees are trained. | Each of the employees is trained. |
| Each of the answers are correct. | Each of the answers is correct. |
| Each of the machines are working. | Each of the machines is working. |
The noun after “of” does not control the verb.
Each vs Every: What Is the Difference?
The words each and every are similar, but they are not exactly the same.
Both words usually take singular verbs.
Examples:
- Each employee has a badge.
- Every employee has a badge.
However, the focus changes.
| Each | Every |
| Focuses on individuals | Focuses on the group as a whole |
| Often used with specific groups | Often used for general statements |
| Can work as a pronoun | Usually needs a noun |
Example:
Each of the five winners received a trophy.
This focuses on individual winners.
Every winner receives recognition.
This describes a general idea.
Common Mistakes When Using Each
Using Each Are Instead of Each Is
Incorrect:
❌ Each are invited to the meeting.
Correct:
✅ Each is invited to the meeting.
Letting a Nearby Plural Noun Control the Verb
Incorrect:
❌ Each of the reports are complete.
Correct:
✅ Each of the reports is complete.
The word “reports” is not the subject.
Confusing Each With Both
Many people confuse these words because both can refer to multiple items.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Each | One at a time | Each child has a book. |
| Both | Two together | Both children have books. |
Example:
Each employee has a computer.
This means every employee individually has a computer.
Both employees have computers.
This refers specifically to two employees.
Can You Use Their After Each?
Modern American English commonly uses singular “they” and “their” after words like “each.”
Examples:
- Each student should bring their notebook.
- Each person should check their email.
- Each customer should keep their receipt.
Traditional grammar sometimes recommended:
“Each student should bring his or her notebook.”
However, singular “they” is now widely accepted because it sounds more natural and avoids unnecessary repetition.
Quick Trick to Remember Each Is or Each Are
Use this simple method:
Think “one by one.”
If you can replace “each” with “every single one,” use a singular verb.
Example:
Each of the cars is clean.
Think:
Every single car is clean.
The correct choice becomes clear.
Remember:
Each = one at a time = singular verb
Read More: Mastering “There Is No vs There Are No”: The Complete Guide
Practice Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Choose the correct answer.
Each of the players ___ ready.
A) are
B) is
Correct answer: is
Each employee ___ responsible for their work.
A) is
B) are
Correct answer: is
Each of them ___ invited to the event.
A) was
B) were
Correct answer: was
Conclusion
Understanding whether to use each is or each are becomes much easier once you remember one simple rule: each is always treated as singular, so it takes a singular verb. Although you may hear each are in casual conversation, each is is the grammatically correct choice in standard English. By learning this rule and practicing it in everyday writing and speaking, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more clearly and confidently.
FAQs
1. Is it correct to say “each is” or “each are”?
Each is is correct because each is a singular pronoun and always takes a singular verb.
2. Why do some people say “each are”?
Many people use each are in informal speech because they are thinking about a group. However, in standard English, each focuses on one member at a time, so is is the correct verb.
3. Does “each” always take a singular verb?
Yes. In standard English grammar, each is treated as singular, even when it refers to two or more people or things.
4. Can I use “each are” in formal writing?
No. In formal writing, business communication, academic papers, and professional emails, you should always use each is.
5. How can I remember the rule for “each”?
Think of each as meaning every individual one. Since it refers to one person or thing at a time, it always takes a singular verb such as is, was, or has.
