Choosing between each is and each are feels tricky. You see people using both versions in everyday speech, movies, and sometimes even in writing. Yet only one form is considered standard English.
This guide explains everything you need to know about each is or each are, why one form is correct, when exceptions seem to appear, and how to use “each” with confidence in any sentence.
Let’s break it down in a simple, conversational way you can use right away.
Understanding What “Each” Really Means in American English
If you want to decide whether to use each is or each are, you must understand the heart of the word “each.”
Most learners think “each” means the same as “all.”
But it doesn’t.
“Each” looks at a group one by one, not as a whole.
Here’s the simplest way to picture it:
Imagine a classroom with 20 students.
When you say “each student,” you’re mentally walking around the room pointing at them one at a time.
That’s why each is grammatically singular even when it refers to many things.
Key points
- “Each” = individual focus
- “Each” always functions as singular
- The singular meaning controls the verb
Mini Example
Correct: Each student is responsible for their assignment.
Incorrect: Each student are responsible for their assignment.
Even though there are multiple students, “each” forces you to treat them individually.
Why “Each Is” Is Grammatically Correct
Subject–verb agreement feels confusing because English has many special cases. Luckily “each” is one of the simplest:
Each = singular
Singular subject = singular verb (is/has/does)
Here’s a clean comparison to make it obvious:
| Subject | Type | Correct Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each | Singular | is | Each is ready to begin. |
| He/She/It | Singular | is | He is ready to begin. |
| They (plural) | Plural | are | They are ready to begin. |
You can think of “each” as equal to “every one.”
Why the grammar rule is strict
English treats “each” as a distributor. It distributes an action to every single item in a group.
Because each action happens separately, the grammar stays singular.
Why “Each Are” Sounds Wrong in Standard English
You sometimes hear people say “each are,” especially in fast conversation.
But in standard American English, “each are” is considered incorrect.
Why do people make this mistake?
Because the noun after “each” is often plural:
- Each of the students…
- Each of the cookies…
- Each of the houses…
The plural noun tricks your brain into thinking the verb should be plural too.
But the real subject is still “each,” not the plural noun.
So the verb stays singular.
Example
❌ Each of the cars are parked outside.
✔️ Each of the cars is parked outside.
If you ever feel unsure, strip the sentence down:
“Each is”
That’s the correct starting point every time.
“Each” with Singular and Plural Nouns
“Each” interacts with nouns in two main patterns.
Pattern 1: Each + Singular Noun
This is the most direct form.
Examples:
- Each child is given a workbook.
- Each room is cleaned daily.
- Each card has a different design.
Pattern 2: Each of + Plural Noun
This is where confusion starts.
Examples:
- Each of the dogs is vaccinated.
- Each of the winners is celebrated.
- Each of the employees has a locker.
Why do these take singular verbs?
Because “each” remains the subject even though the noun after “of” is plural.
Here’s a quick table to keep it straight:
| Form | Noun Type | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each + singular noun | Singular | Singular verb | Each book is new. |
| Each of + plural noun | Plural noun, but subject is “each” | Singular verb | Each of the books is new. |
“Each Of”: Singular or Plural?
Let’s dive deeper because this part trips up even advanced English speakers.
Why does “each of” still need a singular verb?
Because grammatically, “each” is the head of the phrase:
- Each of the students
- Each of the options
- Each of the phones
The noun after “of” is just a modifier, not the subject.
Examples with correct verbs
- Each of the answers is correct.
- Each of the neighbors has a key.
- Each of the paintings was sold.
What about pronouns?
Each of them is…
Each of us has…
Each of you is…
Always singular.
Using “Each” with Collective and Group Nouns
Collective nouns look plural but act singular.
Examples:
- Team
- Group
- Committee
- Board
- Audience
Now combine them with “each”:
Each of the team members is ready.
Each of the board members has voted.
Why not plural?
Because “each” drills down to the individual members inside the group.
Advanced example
- Each of the jury members is considering the evidence.
- Each of the staff members has a badge.
If the phrase feels long, reorder it:
Instead of:
Each of the members of the international advisory committee is present.
Try:
Each member of the international advisory committee is present.
Cleaner and still correct.
Informal Speech vs Formal Writing
In conversation, people bend grammar all the time. You’ll hear phrases like:
- “Each of the kids are playing.”
- “Each of the shirts are on sale.”
- “Each are different.”
These appear because speech is fast, relaxed, and based on rhythm rather than rules.
But in writing?
Grammar matters.
Editors expect standard agreement.
“Each are” immediately looks wrong on paper.
Practical rule
Speak how you want.
Write “each is.”
American vs British Tendencies
Both American and British English treat “each” as singular.
However, British English sometimes uses plural verbs with group words.
For example:
- “The team are winning.”
But this flexibility does not apply to “each.”
In both versions of English:
✔️ Each is
✔️ Each has
✔️ Each does
Plural verbs never attach to “each.”
“Each” with Pronouns and Modern Language
Modern English encourages gender-neutral pronouns, especially they/them.
So how do you combine singular “each” with plural-looking “they”?
Like this:
Each person is responsible for their own choice.
This is fully grammatical today.
Why this works
- “Each” = singular → verb stays singular
- “Their” = gender-neutral pronoun referring back to the individual
Examples
- Each guest is welcome to bring their partner.
- Each applicant has uploaded their documents.
- Each winner is honored for their achievements.
This mix of singular verbs and “their” pronouns is now standard English.
Relative Clauses with “Each”
Relative clauses often confuse learners, especially when adding “who,” “that,” or “whom.”
Common structures
- Each who…
- Each of whom…
- Each that…
Key rule
The verb following “each” still remains singular.
Examples:
- Each who applies is reviewed.
- Each of whom is qualified.
- Each that arrives early is admitted.
When to use “whom”
Use “whom” when it’s the object of the clause:
- Each of whom we interviewed was a finalist.
When to use “who”
Use “who” when referring to people:
- Each who participated was recognized.
Real Examples from Literature and Media
Writers rely heavily on “each is” because it sounds clean and professional.
Here are paraphrased examples based on common usage you’ll find in published work:
- “Each is responsible for his own fate.”
- “Each of the soldiers is trained to survive.”
- “Each of the paths is marked differently.”
- “Each artist is known for their unique style.”
- “Each of the cities is represented by a delegate.”
These are exactly the kinds of sentences you see in books, articles, and journalism.
Why?
Because “each” always takes a singular verb.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are the mistakes English learners make most often and how to fix them quickly.
Mistake 1: Matching the verb to the plural noun
❌ Each of the students are excited.
✔️ Each of the students is excited.
Mistake 2: Thinking “each” and “all” follow the same rules
“All” is plural.
“Each” is singular.
Mistake 3: Overthinking long sentences
Long noun phrases make the verb far away from “each.”
Solution: shorten the subject.
Mistake 4: Using plural verbs because it “sounds natural” in speech
Spoken English = flexible.
Written English = stricter.
Mistake 5: Confusion with “every,” “any,” and “either”
These words also take singular verbs.
Here’s a helpful comparison:
| Word | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Each | Singular | Each student is ready. |
| Every | Singular | Every book is new. |
| Any | Singular | Any person is allowed. |
| Either | Singular | Either option is fine. |
Quick Reference: When to Use “Each Is”
Here’s your fast, no-nonsense cheat sheet:
- Use each is in every formal sentence.
- Use singular verbs with “each,” even after “each of.”
- Don’t let plural nouns distract you.
- “Each are” is never correct in standard writing.
- Combine singular verbs with “they/them” pronouns if needed.
If you see the word “each,” choose a singular verb—no exceptions.
FAQs About “Each Is” and “Each Are”
### Why is “each is” correct instead of “each are”?
Because “each” is grammatically singular, so it requires a singular verb.
### Can “each are” ever be correct?
Not in standard American English. You may hear it in casual speech, but it’s not accepted in formal writing.
### How do you use “each is” in a sentence?
Start with “each,” follow with your noun, and use a singular verb: “Each player is ready.”
### Does “each of” change the verb form?
No. Even though it’s followed by a plural noun, the verb stays singular.
### Is “each has” correct?
Yes. “Each” always takes singular verbs like “has,” “is,” and “does.”
Conclusion
Choosing between each is or each are becomes easy once you understand the meaning of “each.”
It always focuses on individuals within a group, which makes it a strictly singular subject in American English.
Whenever you see “each,” treat it like “every one.”
Use singular verbs like is, has, and does every time.
Even if the sentence includes plural nouns later, your verb must stay singular.
With this guide, you can write confidently, avoid common mistakes, and explain the rule to anyone who’s unsure.
Aiden Brooks is an educational writer dedicated to simplifying grammar for learners of all levels. He creates clear, practical explanations that help students read, write, and understand English with confidence.
