each

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "each" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a number of individuals or things separately rather than collectively, such as in the sentence: "Each student must turn in their assignment by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two were given a gel containing PRO 2000 (in different concentrations for each group), along with advice about how to use it, a regular supply of condoms and counselling on safe sexual practice and sexual health.

The Economist

We trawled each other's bodies for every inch of history.

The Guardian - Books

Each needs the other.

The Economist

For patients with concession cards and children aged under 16 the fee will apply for only the first 10 services in each year.

The Guardian

At the end of each Guardian Masterclass, we will provide an evaluation form, which will offer you the opportunity to provide feedback.

The Guardian

In order to get the most from the Guardian Masterclass, you should ensure you arrive promptly and attend each session in full.

The Guardian

Wikipedia relies on about 70,000 people each month who edit the articles for a worldwide readership.

The Guardian

The project with the most votes will be awarded £1,000 of funding, and two runners-up will each receive funding of £500.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many more whales and dolphins die each year through pollution, bycatch, ship-strike: who is going to legislate for them?

The Guardian - Opinion

"The great thing about last night's vote is that two gay people who love each other will now be able to get married.

The Guardian

In the Faroes, in "European" waters, thousands of pilot whales die each year, driven from the open Atlantic on to the islands' beaches and butchered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "each" when you want to emphasize individuality within a group. For instance, "Each participant received a certificate" highlights that every person got their own certificate.

Common error

Avoid using a plural pronoun when referring back to "each". Instead of "Each student should bring their book", use "Each student should bring his or her book" or, for simplicity, "Each student should bring their own book".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "each" is as a determiner or pronoun, specifying individual members within a group. Ludwig confirms that the word is correctly used to focus on individual items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "each" is a versatile determiner and pronoun used to emphasize individuality within a group. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure pronoun agreement, using singular pronouns to refer back to "each". Alternatives such as "every single" or "respectively" can be used depending on the desired nuance. "Each" serves to highlight individual elements, ensuring specific attention, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for each

Highlights what will be assigned to all members of a group.

every single

Emphasizes the inclusivity of every item without exception.

to each

Highlights the act of distributing something to all members of a group.

respectively

Indicates that items are considered in the order they are presented.

apiece

Focuses on the cost or quantity per individual item.

individually

Highlights the separate and distinct nature of items.

severally

Stresses the independent responsibility or action of each item or person.

one by one

Conveys a sequential and gradual approach.

per unit

Emphasizes the rate or amount for a single item.

in turn

Emphasizes the idea that something is coming sequentially.

FAQs

How to use "each" in a sentence?

"Each" can be used as a determiner before a singular noun (e.g., "Each person") or as a pronoun referring to individuals in a group (e.g., "They each received a prize").

What's the difference between "each" and "every"?

"Each" focuses on individual items within a group, while "every" refers to all items collectively. Use "each" when individual attention is important; use "every" for generalizations.

Can I use "each" with plural nouns?

No, "each" should be followed by a singular noun (e.g., "each child") or used as a pronoun referring back to a plural subject (e.g., "The students each brought a dish").

What can I say instead of "each"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "every single", "respectively", or "individually".