Each Are or Each Is? Which One Is Correct
Quick Answer
The correct form is "each is."
The word each refers to individual items one at a time, making it grammatically singular and requiring a singular verb.
Explanation
Each is a distributive pronoun or determiner. It refers to every member of a group individually, not collectively. Because it focuses on one item at a time, it takes a singular verb.
Rule: Each + singular noun + singular verb
This rule also applies when "each" comes after a plural subject:
- "Each of the students is responsible." (Correct)
- "The students each have their own books." (Also correct - verb agrees with "students")
Examples
Common Mistake
Incorrect: Each of the employees are responsible for their tasks.
Correct: Each of the employees is responsible for their tasks.
Practice
Fix the sentence:
"Each of the rooms are cleaned daily."
Show answer
Answer: Each of the rooms is cleaned daily.
Related Grammar
Each is, but they each are
Each as the subject takes singular agreement: each is ready. When each follows a plural subject, the verb agrees with that subject: they each are ready; the students each have a book. Do not change a plural verb solely because each appears nearby.
Practise the distinction
Each of the rooms ___ a window. (has / have)
Show answer and explanation
has
Each is the subject; rooms is inside the of phrase.
The rooms each ___ a window. (has / have)
Show answer and explanation
have
Rooms is the plural subject.
___ each student have a ticket? (Does / Do)
Show answer and explanation
Does
Each student is singular; use the base form have after does.