Each Has vs. Each Have: Which Is Correct? (With Examples)

Navigating the nuances of English grammar can often feel like traversing a minefield, especially when dealing with common grammatical points that trip up even seasoned writers. One such area of frequent confusion revolves around the subject-verb agreement when the subject is the word “each.” This seemingly simple word can lead to a surprising amount of uncertainty regarding whether the verb that follows should be singular (“has”) or plural (“have”).

Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear and accurate communication, whether you’re crafting professional correspondence, academic papers, or even casual social media posts. The rules governing “each” are consistent, yet the subjective nature of its meaning can sometimes lead to grammatical missteps. This article aims to demystify the usage of “each has” versus “each have,” providing clear explanations and illustrative examples to solidify your grasp of this grammatical point.

The Indefinite Pronoun “Each”

The word “each” functions as an indefinite pronoun, referring to every individual item or person in a group, considered separately. When “each” is the subject of a sentence, it always takes a singular verb. This is a fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement in English grammar.

This principle holds true regardless of whether the noun or pronoun that follows “each” is plural. The focus remains on the individual unit being referred to, not the collective group. Therefore, the verb must agree with the singular pronoun “each.”

Consider the phrase “each of the students.” While “students” is plural, the pronoun “each” is singular, and it is “each” that is performing the action or being described. Consequently, the verb must be singular.

“Each Has”: The Singular Agreement

The construction “each has” is the grammatically correct form when “each” is the subject of the sentence. This applies whether “each” stands alone or is followed by a prepositional phrase like “of the…”

For example, “Each of the participants has a unique perspective.” Here, “each” is the subject, and it requires the singular verb “has.” The plural noun “participants” does not alter the verb’s conjugation because “each” directs our attention to every individual participant separately.

Another instance: “Each member has been informed of the changes.” The subject is “each,” referring to every single member individually. Therefore, the singular verb “has” is correct.

“Each Have”: When It Might Seem Plausible (But Is Incorrect)

The temptation to use “each have” often arises because “each” frequently refers to a group of individuals or items, and our minds might lean towards plural agreement based on the collective noun. However, this is a common grammatical error.

For example, someone might mistakenly write, “Each of the books have different illustrations.” The subject is “each,” not “books.” Even though there are multiple books, “each” focuses on one book at a time, making “has” the correct verb.

The error stems from incorrectly associating the verb with the object of the preposition (“of the books”) rather than the actual subject (“each”). This is a classic case where the pronoun’s singular nature dictates the verb’s form.

Understanding the Grammatical Role of “Each”

To truly master the usage of “each has,” it’s essential to understand its grammatical function. “Each” is an indefinite pronoun that functions as a distributive pronoun. This means it distributes the action or quality to every member of a group individually.

As a distributive pronoun, “each” always points to a single entity, even when referring to multiple entities. This inherent singularity is the cornerstone of why it always requires a singular verb.

When “each” is used as a determiner before a singular noun, it also takes a singular verb. For example, “Each child has been given a prize.” Here, “each” modifies the singular noun “child,” and the subject-verb agreement follows the singular pattern.

“Each” as a Subject

When “each” stands as the subject of a sentence, it is always treated as singular. This is the most common scenario where the “each has” rule applies.

Consider a sentence like: “Each of the candidates has submitted their application.” The subject is “each.” The phrase “of the candidates” is a prepositional phrase modifying “each” and does not influence the verb. Thus, “has” is correct.

In simpler terms, the sentence is saying, “One candidate has submitted their application. Another candidate has submitted their application. And so on.” The focus is on individual actions.

“Each” Followed by a Prepositional Phrase

Even when “each” is followed by a prepositional phrase containing a plural noun (e.g., “each of the players,” “each of the options”), the verb remains singular. The plural noun within the prepositional phrase is not the subject of the verb.

For example: “Each of the solutions has its own set of challenges.” The subject is “each,” which is singular. Therefore, the verb must be “has.” The plural noun “solutions” does not change the verb’s form.

This is a critical point of confusion for many. The intervening plural noun can mislead the writer into thinking a plural verb is needed, but the grammatical rule is steadfast: “each” as the subject demands a singular verb.

“Each” as a Determiner

When “each” precedes a singular noun, it acts as a determiner (or adjective), modifying that noun. In this case, both the noun and the verb are singular.

Example: “Each student has completed the assignment.” Here, “each” modifies “student,” and the subject is the singular noun phrase “each student.” The verb “has” correctly agrees with this singular subject.

This usage reinforces the singular nature associated with “each.” It emphasizes the individuality of each student in the context of completing the assignment.

Examples of “Each Has” in Action

To further solidify your understanding, let’s examine several practical examples demonstrating the correct usage of “each has.” These examples cover various contexts to illustrate the rule’s versatility.

Sentence: “Each of the employees has been given a new laptop.” This highlights that every single employee, individually, received a laptop. The subject “each” requires the singular verb “has.”

Sentence: “Each of the cars has been inspected for safety.” This means that every car, one by one, underwent inspection. The singular subject “each” mandates the singular verb “has.”

Sentence: “Each of the proposals has been carefully reviewed.” The focus is on the individual review of every proposal. “Each” is the singular subject, so “has” is the correct verb.

Sentence: “Each of the children has a favorite toy.” This indicates that every child, considered separately, possesses a preferred toy. The singular pronoun “each” governs the singular verb “has.”

Sentence: “Each of the options has advantages and disadvantages.” Here, the subject “each” refers to every single option individually, necessitating the singular verb “has.”

Examples of Incorrect Usage (“Each Have”)

Understanding common errors can be as instructive as learning the correct rule. Let’s look at sentences where “each have” is incorrectly used, and then correct them.

Incorrect: “Each of the team members have their own responsibilities.” The subject is “each,” which is singular. The verb should be singular.

Correct: “Each of the team members has their own responsibilities.” This correctly applies the singular verb “has” to the singular subject “each.”

Incorrect: “Each of the ingredients have been measured precisely.” The subject is “each,” demanding a singular verb.

Correct: “Each of the ingredients has been measured precisely.” The singular verb “has” agrees with the singular subject “each.”

Incorrect: “Each of the artworks have been displayed prominently.” The subject “each” requires singular agreement.

Correct: “Each of the artworks has been displayed prominently.” The singular verb “has” is correctly used with the singular subject “each.”

Incorrect: “Each of the students have received their grades.” The subject “each” is singular, so the verb must be singular.

Correct: “Each of the students has received their grades.” The singular verb “has” aligns with the singular subject “each.”

Incorrect: “Each of the departments have submitted their reports.” The subject “each” is singular; therefore, the verb must be singular.

Correct: “Each of the departments has submitted their reports.” This sentence correctly uses the singular verb “has” with the singular subject “each.”

When Plural Verbs Might Seem Appropriate (But Aren’t with “Each”)

It’s important to distinguish “each” from collective nouns or other indefinite pronouns that can sometimes take plural verbs depending on context. “Each” is consistently singular in its grammatical requirement.

For instance, consider the pronoun “both.” “Both of them have agreed.” Here, “both” refers to two entities, so a plural verb is appropriate. This is different from “each.”

Similarly, pronouns like “some,” “many,” or “few” can take either singular or plural verbs depending on the noun they refer to or the context. However, “each” is an exception to this variability; it always signals singularity.

The key takeaway is that no matter how many items or people are implied by “each,” the grammatical focus remains on the individual unit. This unwavering focus on singularity is why “each has” is the universally correct form.

The Role of Context in Subject-Verb Agreement

While the rule for “each” is quite rigid, understanding subject-verb agreement in general requires paying close attention to context. The subject of a sentence is not always the word immediately preceding the verb.

In sentences with prepositional phrases, the subject often appears within that phrase (e.g., “The box of chocolates *is* on the table”). However, with “each,” the subject is always “each” itself, not the noun within the prepositional phrase.

This distinction is crucial. Recognizing “each” as the definitive subject, regardless of intervening words, is the most effective way to avoid the “each have” error. Always identify the true subject before determining the verb’s form.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

The most common pitfall is being misled by a plural noun that follows “each” within a prepositional phrase. This can create a mental disconnect, leading to the incorrect use of a plural verb.

To avoid this, practice identifying the grammatical subject of the sentence. Ask yourself: “Who or what is performing the action?” In cases with “each,” the answer is always “each.”

Another strategy is to mentally rephrase the sentence. If you have “Each of the students has…”, you can think of it as “Every student has…” This rephrasing often clarifies the need for a singular verb.

“Each” vs. “Every”

The word “every” is often used in similar contexts to “each,” and it also requires a singular verb. Understanding the slight differences can enhance your grammatical precision.

“Every” typically emphasizes the entire group as a whole, while “each” emphasizes individual members within that group. However, grammatically, both “each” and “every” (when used as determiners) function as singular subjects and thus take singular verbs.

For example, “Every student has passed the exam” and “Each student has passed the exam” are both grammatically correct and convey very similar meanings, both using the singular verb “has.” The core grammatical rule remains consistent: singular subject, singular verb.

Advanced Usage and Exceptions (Are There Any?)

In standard English, there are no widely accepted exceptions to the rule that “each” takes a singular verb. The grammatical structure consistently treats “each” as a singular pronoun or determiner.

While language can evolve, and some informal speech might deviate, adherence to the standard rule is essential for formal and clear written communication. Relying on the consistent singular agreement for “each” will ensure grammatical accuracy.

The strength of this rule lies in its simplicity and consistency. Once understood, it provides a reliable guideline for subject-verb agreement in a common grammatical construction.

Practical Application in Writing

Applying this rule in your writing is straightforward. Whenever you use “each” as the subject of a sentence, whether it stands alone or is followed by “of the [plural noun],” always use a singular verb like “has,” “is,” “was,” or “does.”

For instance, in a report: “Each of the departments has submitted its quarterly earnings.” In an email: “Each of the attendees has received the agenda.” In a creative piece: “Each of the stars has its own unique brilliance.”

Consistent application will make this grammatical point second nature, improving the clarity and professionalism of your written work.

Conclusion: The Unwavering Singularity of “Each”

In summary, the word “each” always functions as a singular pronoun or determiner. This fundamental grammatical characteristic dictates that it must always be paired with a singular verb.

Therefore, the correct construction is always “each has,” never “each have.” This rule applies regardless of whether “each” is followed by a prepositional phrase containing a plural noun.

By internalizing this principle and practicing with examples, you can confidently navigate this common grammatical challenge and ensure your writing is precise and accurate.