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 person

      each day

   2. ( as pronoun )

      each gave according to his ability

adverb

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

   four apples each

Usage Note

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. they.

Usage

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

"Each gene was like a single word. However, there was a piece of critical information lacking: transcription initiation sites for individual genes."

From Science Daily

These initiation sites contain regulatory elements and provide information to the cell about when and where to transcribe each gene to make protein, and how frequently to do so at any point in time.

From Science Daily

Thus, transcription-factor proteins can bind to several different sections of the gene and begin making mRNA, each copy different from ones started at other sites.

From Science Daily

Each alternative transcription site could potentially create a different protein from the same gene.

From Science Daily

Neither promoter Goldenvoice nor representatives for each artist responded to requests for comment on the bill, but outlets including Rolling Stone have cited them as likely or confirmed performers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• all
• individually
• respectively
• separately