each

[eech]

adjective

1. every one of two or more considered individually or one by one.

   each stone in a building; a hallway with a door at each end.

pronoun

1. every one individually; each one.

   Each had a different solution to the problem.

adverb

1. to, from, or for each; apiece.

   They cost a dollar each.

each

/ iːtʃ /

determiner

1. 1. every (one) of two or more considered individually

      each day

      each person

   2. ( as pronoun )

      each gave according to his ability

adverb

1. for, to, or from each one; apiece

   four apples each

Usage

The adjective each is always followed by a singular noun: each person; each book. When the adjective follows a plural subject, the verb agrees with the subject: They each dress in different styles. The houses each have central heating. When the pronoun each comes immediately before the verb, it always takes a singular verb: Each comes (not come ) from a different country. When the pronoun is followed by an of phrase containing a plural noun or pronoun, there is a tendency for the verb to be plural: Each of the candidates has (or have ) spoken on the issue. Some usage guides maintain that only the singular verb is correct, but plural verbs occur frequently even in edited writing. It is also sometimes said that the pronoun each must always be referred to by a singular pronoun, but again actual usage does not regularly observe this stricture: Each member of our garden club had their own special interests. In the most formal speech and writing, singular verbs and pronouns occur more frequently than plural: Each member … had his own special interests. The use of plural forms, especially plural pronouns, has been increasing in the United States, partially because of the desire to avoid using he or his to refer to a female. Anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, no one, someone, and somebody follow the same general patterns of pronoun agreement as each. See also they.

Each is a singular pronoun and should be used with a singular form of a verb: each of the candidates was (not were ) interviewed separately

Word History and Origins

Origin of each¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English eche, Old English ælc, equivalent to ā “ever” ( ay ¹ ) + (ge)līc alike; cognate with Old High German ēo-gilīh, Old Frisian ellīk, Dutch, Low German elk

Word History and Origins

Origin of each¹

Old English ǣlc; related to Old High German ēogilīh, Old Frisian ellik, Dutch elk

Idioms and Phrases

• at each other's throats
• made for (each other)

Synonym Study

Each, every are alike in having a distributive meaning. Of two or more members composing an aggregate, each directs attention to the separate members in turn: Each child (of those considered and enumerated) received a large apple. Every emphasizes inclusiveness or universality: Every child (of all in existence) likes to play.

Example Sentences

But Philp said the next Conservative government would ensure more people leave than arrive by setting an annual binding target voted on each year by Parliament.

From BBC

Two Austrian women, who were switched at birth at a hospital in the southern city of Graz have finally met each other 35 years later.

From BBC

"We have great love for each other. I love Canada and the people of Canada."

From BBC

And each of Hopper’s five wives has her own instrumental piece, which is oddly touching and unexpected, and serves the purpose of offering an emotional transition from era to era.

From Salon

As manufacturing-based industries automate the production of things like paper products, there are far fewer jobs available, making each one highly competitive.

From Salon

Related Words

• all 
• individually 
• respectively 
• separately