Each of the students is or are? Understanding the subtle rules that govern subject‑verb agreement here not only cleans up your sentences but also adds a polished, professional tone to academic writing, classroom discussions, and everyday communication. This question trips up writers, speakers, and even seasoned educators because the phrase each of the students sits at the crossroads of singular and plural grammar. In this article we will unpack the anatomy of the expression, explore why the verb must be singular, examine common pitfalls, and provide practical strategies to remember the correct form every time.
The Anatomy of “Each of the Students”
What “each” really means
Each is an indefinite pronoun that refers to every individual member of a group, taken one at a time. Even when it is followed by a prepositional phrase like of the students, the grammatical core remains singular. Think of each as a spotlight that isolates a single student from the crowd, rather than a collective label that embraces the whole group Not complicated — just consistent..
The role of the prepositional phrase
The phrase of the students functions as a prepositional complement that tells us which individuals we are talking about. It does not change the number of the subject. Basically, each stays singular regardless of how many students are mentioned after of.
Why the Verb Must Be Singular
Subject‑verb agreement basics
In English, a verb must agree in number with its subject. A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb. Since each is inherently singular, the verb that follows must also be singular.
Concrete examples
- Correct: Each of the students is required to submit a portfolio.
- Incorrect: Each of the students are required to submit a portfolio.
Notice the contrast: is matches the singular each, while are would incorrectly suggest a plural subject.
The “of the students” clause does not affect agreement
The entire noun phrase each of the students behaves like a singular noun phrase. Grammatically, it can be replaced by every student or each individual student without altering the verb number. This substitution often clarifies the correct verb choice No workaround needed..
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Treating “each of the students” as a plural noun
Many speakers hear students and automatically assume a plural verb. This is especially common in informal speech where the distinction feels unnecessary.
- Incorrect: Each of the students are present.
- Correct: Each of the students is present.
Mistake #2: Using a plural pronoun after “each”
Because each is singular, pronouns that refer back to it must also be singular Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
- Incorrect: Each of the students they must bring their own notebook.
- Correct: Each of the students must bring his or her own notebook.
(Or, in gender‑neutral contexts: their is acceptable in modern usage, but the verb remains singular: must bring.)
Mistake #3: Overgeneralizing with collective nouns
Collective nouns like team, group, or class can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals. Each eliminates that ambiguity because it always refers to individuals.
- Correct: Each member of the class is responsible for the assignment.
- Incorrect: Each member of the class are responsible for the assignment.
Quick Reference Checklist- Is the subject “each” or “each of …”? → Treat it as singular.
- Does the verb match a singular subject? → Use is, was, has, wants, etc.
- Are pronouns singular? → Use he, she, it, his, her, its (or singular they if you prefer gender‑neutral).
- Can you replace the phrase with “every student”? → If yes, the verb must be singular.
Practical Tips for Students and Writers
- Visualize the isolation – Imagine pointing at one student out of the group; that mental image reinforces the singular nature of each.
- Rewrite for clarity – Replace each of the students with every student in your draft; if the sentence still makes sense, the verb should be singular.
- Listen to the rhythm – Singular verbs often feel smoother when spoken aloud with each; a plural verb can sound jarring. 4. Create a personal cheat sheet – Keep a small note that says: Each → is / was / has / wants and refer to it whenever you’re unsure. 5. Practice with varied sentences – Write five sentences using each of the students with different verbs (e.g., is, was, must, could, should) to internalize the pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I ever use a plural verb with each?
A: No. Each is strictly singular, so the verb must always be singular. Even in constructions like each of the students were…, the correct form remains was Turns out it matters..
Q2: Does the same rule apply to every?
A: Yes. Every is also singular and takes a singular verb, just like each. Here's one way to look at it: Every student is expected to attend.
Q3: What about none? Is it singular or plural?
A: None can be either singular or plural depending on context. If none means not any of the items, it often takes a plural verb when the referent is plural, but it can be singular when the referent is a singular noun. This is a separate topic and does not affect each.
Q4: How should I handle gender‑neutral language?
A: Modern English allows the singular they as a gender‑neutral pronoun. The verb remains singular: Each of the students must bring their notebook. The key is to keep the verb singular, regardless of the pronoun choice That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Conclusion
Mastering the interplay between each and verb agreement empowers you to write with precision and confidence. Remember that each functions as a singular pronoun, and the verb that follows must always reflect that singularity, even when the phrase is expanded to each of the students. So naturally, by visualizing the isolation of each individual, rewriting for clarity, and using a simple checklist, you can eliminate the most common errors and produce sentences that are both grammatically sound and stylistically elegant. Apply these principles consistently, and the once‑confusing question of is versus are will become second nature.
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While the rule is straightforward, certain sentence structures can act as "distractors" that lead even experienced writers astray.
- The Prepositional Phrase Trap: The most common error occurs when a prepositional phrase (like of the players or of the books) sits between the subject and the verb. Your brain naturally wants to match the verb to the nearest noun.
- Incorrect: Each of the players are ready.
- Correct: Each of the players is ready.
- Compound Subjects with "Each": When each follows a plural subject, the rules shift. If you write, "The students each have a desk," the subject is "students," so the verb is plural. That said, if you start the sentence with each, it regains its singular power: "Each of the students has a desk." Always identify which word is truly driving the sentence.
Conclusion
Mastering the interplay between each and verb agreement empowers you to write with precision and confidence. Remember that each functions as a singular pronoun, and the verb that follows must always reflect that singularity, even when the phrase is expanded to each of the students. By visualizing the isolation of each individual, rewriting for clarity, and using a simple checklist, you can eliminate the most common errors and produce sentences that are both grammatically sound and stylistically elegant. Apply these principles consistently, and the once‑confusing question of is versus are will become second nature.
