Each Was vs. Each Were: Which Is Correct? Examples Included

Navigating the nuances of English grammar can sometimes feel like traversing a minefield, especially when dealing with commonly confused terms. Two such terms that frequently trip up even proficient speakers and writers are “each was” and “each were.” The choice between them hinges on a fundamental grammatical principle: subject-verb agreement.

Understanding this principle is key to constructing clear, correct sentences. While “each” often appears in phrases that might suggest plurality, its grammatical function demands a singular verb. This article will dissect the rules, provide ample examples, and clarify when to use “each was” and when “each were” is, in fact, incorrect.

Understanding “Each” in Grammar

The word “each” is a determiner and a pronoun that refers to individuals within a group, but it always does so one at a time. This distributive nature is crucial to its grammatical behavior.

When “each” functions as the subject of a sentence, it is considered singular. This means it always requires a singular verb, regardless of the plural noun that may follow it in a prepositional phrase.

Therefore, the correct construction is always “each was.”

The Rule of Singular Subject-Verb Agreement with “Each”

Subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of English grammar. It dictates that a singular subject must take a singular verb, and a plural subject must take a plural verb.

The pronoun “each” is inherently singular. It focuses on every individual item or person separately, not on the group as a whole.

Consequently, “each” always pairs with a singular verb, making “each was” the grammatically correct form.

Why “Each Were” is Incorrect

The confusion often arises because “each” is frequently followed by a plural noun or pronoun. For example, in the sentence “Each of the students was prepared,” the noun “students” is plural.

However, the subject of the verb is “each,” not “students.” Since “each” is singular, it demands the singular verb “was.”

Using “each were” would violate the rule of subject-verb agreement, resulting in an ungrammatical sentence.

“Each Was”: Correct Usage with Examples

The construction “each was” is the standard and correct way to express agreement when “each” is the subject.

Consider these examples: “Each of the paintings was stunning.” Here, “each” is the singular subject, and “was” is the singular verb.

Another example: “After the storm, each house was inspected for damage.” The subject is “each,” and it correctly takes the singular verb “was.”

“Each Was” in Sentences with Compound Subjects

Even when “each” is part of a construction involving multiple subjects joined by conjunctions, its singular nature prevails.

If “each” is emphasized as the primary subject, the verb remains singular. For instance, “John and Mary, and each was given a prize.”

The focus remains on the individual award, reinforcing the singular verb “was.”

“Each Was” with Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases following “each” often contain plural nouns, which can be a source of grammatical error.

In the phrase “each of the books,” the word “books” is plural, but it is the object of the preposition “of,” not the subject of the verb.

The subject is still “each,” so the correct verb is “was,” as in “Each of the books was expensive.”

Distinguishing “Each” from “All” and “Both”

It is important to differentiate “each” from other determiners that refer to multiple entities, such as “all” and “both.”

Unlike “each,” words like “all” and “both” are inherently plural and require plural verbs. For example, “All of the students were present,” and “Both of the options were good.”

Recognizing these distinctions helps maintain correct subject-verb agreement.

“Each Was” in Collective Noun Scenarios

Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family) can sometimes be treated as singular or plural depending on context, but “each” maintains its singular requirement.

If you say, “The team members were tired,” “members” is plural, and “were” is appropriate. However, if you shift focus to the individual, you’d say, “Each of the team members was given a water bottle.”

The singular pronoun “each” overrides any potential for plural agreement with the collective noun’s members.

“Each Was” in Hypothetical or Conditional Sentences

The rule remains consistent even in more complex sentence structures, such as those involving hypotheticals or conditions.

For example, “If each of the participants was to receive a medal, the budget would need to increase.” The conditional nature does not alter the singular requirement of “each.”

The verb “was” correctly agrees with the singular subject “each.”

“Each Was” in Past Tense vs. Present Tense

While this discussion primarily focuses on the past tense (“was”), the principle applies to the present tense as well. The singular present tense verb corresponding to “was” is “is.”

Therefore, the correct present tense construction is “each is.” For example, “Each of the requirements is clearly stated.”

The principle of singular agreement with “each” holds true across different tenses.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is allowing the plural noun in a prepositional phrase to incorrectly influence the verb.

To avoid this, always identify the true subject of the sentence. If “each” is the subject, the verb must be singular.

Practicing sentence diagramming or simply asking “Who or what is performing the action?” can help isolate the subject.

“Each Was” in Comparative Structures

When comparing individuals within a group, “each was” remains the correct form.

For instance, “Compared to the others, each of the applicants was exceptionally qualified.” The focus is on the individual qualification, necessitating the singular verb.

This construction emphasizes the singular merit of every applicant considered.

Grammatical Role of “Each” as a Distributive Pronoun

As a distributive pronoun, “each” emphasizes the individual members of a group rather than the group itself.

This distributive function is the very reason it always takes a singular verb. It directs attention to one member at a time, treating them in isolation.

Understanding “each” as a singular, distributive element is fundamental to mastering its correct verb agreement.

“Each Was” in Reported Speech

When reporting what someone said, the original grammatical structure related to “each” should be maintained if it was correct.

If someone said, “Each of the volunteers was thanked,” and you report it, you would say, “She mentioned that each of the volunteers was thanked.”

The singular verb “was” correctly reflects the original statement’s grammar.

“Each Was” with Intensifiers

Intensifiers like “very” or adverbs modifying “each” do not change its singular nature.

For example, “Each of the contestants was very nervous before the final round.” The adverb “very” modifies “nervous” and does not affect the subject-verb agreement.

The subject “each” still demands the singular verb “was.”

Consolidating the Rule: “Each Was” is Always Correct

In summary, the rule is straightforward: “each” is always a singular subject.

Therefore, it always requires a singular verb. In the past tense, this singular verb is “was.”

Mastering this rule ensures clarity and correctness in your writing and speech, avoiding common grammatical errors.