one for each

USAGE SUMMARY

'one for each' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about an item or a unit of measure that is the same for everyone or everything in a group. For example, "We have three gifts: one for each member of the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She had three, one for each milkshake flavour on offer.

The Guardian - Music

Almost $2,000 were spent on restraints – four brown leather straps, one for each of the offender's hands and one for each ankle.

The Guardian

Each pair then chooses two articles on two different subjects or events (one for each student).

The New York Times

This study is based on volunteering with 2 questionnaires available online: one for each institution and one for each nurse.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

One for each party.

The New Yorker

"One for each of the kids".

The New Yorker

There is one for each.

The New York Times - Science

There's one for each country.

The New Yorker

Or one for each decade?

The Guardian - Books

"Some people wanted one for each grandchild".

The New York Times - Science

One for each real tit, maybe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one for each" to clearly indicate a direct correspondence between items and recipients, ensuring that each member of a group receives a single, specific item. For example: "Ensure there is one form for each applicant."

Common error

Avoid using "every" when you intend a strict one-to-one allocation. "Every" suggests all members of a collective share an aspect, while "one for each" specifies individual possession or applicability. For example, instead of 'one for every person', use "one for each person" to indicate individual allocation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one for each" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an adjectival modifier to specify distribution. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction indicates a single item or unit designated for every member of a group or category. The examples in Ludwig illustrate this precise distribution across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one for each" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to denote a precise one-to-one correspondence between items and recipients. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's most prevalent in news media and scientific writing, as highlighted by Ludwig's analysis. When aiming for alternatives, consider nuances of emphasis and formality, such as "one apiece" or "allocated to each". Remember, "one for each" specifies individual allocation, setting it apart from more collective terms like "every".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one apiece

This phrase emphasizes individual ownership or reception of something.

one to each

This alternative highlights the distribution aspect, similar to 'one for each'.

a single for every

Emphasizes that there is only one specific item reserved for each person.

individually for each

This version emphasizes that the process is carried out on a one-by-one basis.

allocated to each

This phrase is more formal, highlighting the allocation or assignment aspect.

distributed to each

Highlights the act of giving something out to each person or item in a group.

one for every single

This variation amplifies the idea that an item is available without exceptions.

each receives one

This version focuses on the act of receiving a single item for each individual.

a unique one for every

This emphasizes that an exclusive one is selected or made for each.

specifically for each

This reinforces that the item is designed to match a specific requirement for individuals in a group.

FAQs

How do I use "one for each" in a sentence?

Use "one for each" to specify that a single item is allocated to every member of a group or category. For example, "The company provided one laptop for each employee" or "There's one instruction manual for each device".

What are some alternatives to "one for each"?

Alternatives include "one apiece", "one to each", or "a single for every", depending on the context. Consider which aspect you want to emphasize: individual receipt or allocation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "one for every" instead of "one for each"?

While "one for every" might be understood, "one for each" is generally more precise and grammatically preferred when referring to a distinct individual or item within a defined group. "Every" can sometimes imply a more general or collective sense.

When is it more appropriate to use "individually for each" instead of "one for each"?

Use "individually for each" when emphasizing that a process or action is performed separately on each member of a group. For example, "The data was analyzed individually for each participant" implies a more detailed, case-by-case approach than simply saying "one for each".