Subject-Verb Agreement and the Role of 'Each' in Sentence Structures

Language is a complex system of rules and conventions that govern the way we construct sentences. One of the fundamental aspects of this system is subject-verb agreement, which ensures that the form of the verb matches the number of the subject in a sentence. This article delves into how subject-verb agreement works with the use of the word 'each' in both singular and plural contexts, addressing why certain choices of verbs are correct while others are not.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is about ensuring that the verb in a sentence agrees in number with the subject it refers to. This means that if the subject is singular (one item or person), the verb form must also be singular; if the subject is plural (more than one item or person), the verb form must be plural as well. This rule is straightforward for most simple sentences, but it can become more complicated when dealing with complex subjects.

The Role of 'Each' in Subject-Verb Agreement

The word 'each' is a quantifier used to indicate a single item or person out of a group. Despite ‘each’ referring to a single item, the subject-verb agreement with 'each' may seem confusing due to its placement in the sentence. In some cases, 'each' is used to refer to a singular entity, while in others, it can refer to all members of a group. This distinction is crucial for choosing the correct verb form.

Example 1: "Each of the two students was honest."

Let's consider the sentence "Each of the two students was honest." Here, 'each' is used to refer to a single student out of two. The word 'two' provides the context that there are two students, but 'each' implies a singular reference to one of them. Therefore, the verb 'was' is correct because the subject 'each student' is singular.

Example 2: "Each of the three students were honest."

Now, let's look at "Each of the three students were honest." In this sentence, 'each' still refers to a single student from a group of three. However, 'were' is incorrect in this context. The subject 'each student' is singular, so the verb must also be singular. The correct form would be "Each of the three students was honest."

Grammar Rules and Exceptions

The rule is simple: when 'each' is used to refer to a single entity, the verb following 'each' will be singular. Similarly, when 'each' is used to refer to a group of entities, the verb will be plural. This can be seen in other examples:

Each of the 50 students understands my point of view.

Each of the citizens of my country is a patriot.

Each of the 4 ideas is superb.

Each of my many friends is honest.

In each of these examples, 'each' is followed by a singular subject that requires a singular verb.

Alternative Formulations and Grammatical Precision

It's important to note that alternative formulations can also be used to maintain grammatical precision. For instance, if we want to say that each student in a group of three is indeed a student, we could rephrase the sentence as follows:

Each of the three students is a student.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement can sometimes be tricky, especially with words like 'each', which can guide us toward a single or plural verb choice based on how it is used in a sentence. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, precise, and grammatically sound. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who enjoys the nuances of language, mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication.

Remember, the goal is to make your writing as clear and accurate as possible. Practice makes perfect, so keep refining your skills with examples and exercises. Happy writing!