each for themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"each for themselves" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize that each individual should take responsibility for their own actions and that no one is obligated to act in consideration of others. For example, "The members of the team decided to go their own way, each for themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One proposal put forward by the G-4 countries was to increase the membership of the Security Council to 25 seats by adding six new permanent members, including one each for themselves and two for Africa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After lively conversation, they agreed not to divide the money in half and each choose for themselves, but to engage with each other to research, discuss, and decide how much to give to whom.

Huffington Post

In the end, older gourmands — their doctors' orders and their bodies' demands ringing in their ears — are each responsible for themselves.

The New York Times - Food

Conservatives argue that it is each person for themselves, that hardworking people who are making it on their own shouldn't have their tax dollars going to people who are in trouble.

Huffington Post

They also noted that comic panels forced the player to interpret each panel for themselves, and "the nuances are there in the head of the reader it would be much harder to reach that level with in-game or even prerendered cinematics".

Wikipedia

He estimated that the tails, which cost about $2,200 each, would pay for themselves in fuel savings within a year.

The New York Times

They are working so hard for each other and for themselves.

BBC

They were not calling for a world in which each man was for themselves.

Huffington Post

Each image is titled with the person's name, we well as a list of identifiers, which each subject defined for themselves.

Huffington Post

"Men and women are looking for virtually the same thing, but each is looking for themselves to be the centerpiece of the content".

Vice

The trials the Donner Party had so far endured resulted in splintered groups, each looking out for themselves and distrustful of the others.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "each for themselves" to emphasize individual responsibility, especially in competitive or challenging situations. This highlights the absence of collective support.

Common error

Avoid using "each for themselves" when a collaborative or supportive environment is intended. The phrase implies a lack of communal effort, which can be counterproductive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "each for themselves" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adverbially to modify a verb. It describes the manner in which an action is performed, emphasizing individual autonomy and lack of collective support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "each for themselves" is a prepositional phrase employed to emphasize individual responsibility and a lack of collective support. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically sound and used across various contexts, though most commonly in news and general media. While implying independence and self-reliance, care should be taken to avoid using it in situations that require teamwork. Alternative phrases, such as "every person for themselves", can be used to subtly shift the connotation or degree of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Every person for themselves

Emphasizes individual survival and competition more strongly.

Each one is responsible for their own actions

Highlights individual accountability in a more formal tone.

Everyone is on their own

Suggests a lack of support or assistance from others.

Every man for himself

A more traditional and gendered expression of individual self-interest.

Individuals must fend for themselves

Implies a struggle for survival or well-being without external aid.

Self-reliance is key

Focuses on the importance of depending on oneself.

Personal responsibility matters

Emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's duties.

Independent action is required

Stresses the need for individuals to act without relying on others.

Accountability rests with the individual

Highlights the concept of being answerable for one's conduct.

Each must stand on their own two feet

Suggests resilience and independence in facing challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "each for themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "each for themselves" to describe situations where individuals are acting independently and without mutual support. For instance, "In the chaotic market, it was "each for themselves" as traders tried to minimize their losses".

What's a less harsh alternative to "each for themselves"?

If you want to convey individual effort without implying a complete lack of cooperation, consider using phrases like "everyone is responsible for their own part" or "individuals are taking the initiative".

Is it grammatically correct to say "each for themselves"?

Yes, "each for themselves" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English, often to stress individual accountability and actions.

When should I avoid using the phrase "each for themselves"?

Avoid using "each for themselves" when describing teamwork, collaboration, or any situation where shared responsibility is a key aspect. This phrase suggests a competitive, rather than cooperative, dynamic.