Each of These Is vs. Each of These Are – Which is Correct?
When the subject is “each of these,” use the singular verb “is”: “Each of these options is useful.” The word “each” means every individual item and controls subject–verb agreement, even though “these” and “options” are plural. “Each of these are” is common in speech but considered nonstandard in formal writing.
Each of These Is or Each of These Are: Which Is Correct?
“Each of these is” is the standard and grammatically correct construction. The subject is each, not these or the plural noun that follows. Because each refers to every item individually, it takes a singular verb: “Each of these reasons is important.”
“Each of these are” results from a common subject–verb agreement error called attraction. The nearby plural word these or a plural noun can make are sound natural, especially in conversational English. However, in formal, academic, business, and edited writing, use is.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “each one” test. Replace each of these with each one of these. If the sentence becomes “Each one of these options is useful,” the correct verb is clearly is. Since each one is singular, each must take a singular verb.
| Word or Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each of these is | Pronoun phrase with a singular verb | Every one of the indicated items has a quality or performs an action | Each of these solutions is affordable. |
| Each of these are | Nonstandard agreement in formal English | A common but generally incorrect attempt to match the verb with a nearby plural word | Avoid “Each of these are affordable” in formal writing. |
How to Use Each of These Is
Use each of these is when you want to describe members of a specific group one at a time. The phrase usually introduces a plural noun, but the verb remains singular because each focuses on individual members rather than the group as a whole.
The construction is appropriate in casual, professional, academic, and formal writing. It can be followed by an adjective, a noun complement, a prepositional phrase, or a participial phrase.
Example 1: Each of these proposals is worth reviewing.
Example 2: Each of these machines is equipped with a safety switch.
Example 3: Each of these candidates is qualified for the position.
Etymology of the Phrase Each of These Is
The phrase combines three older English elements. Each comes from Old English ǣlc, meaning “every one” or “each individual.” These is the plural form of the demonstrative pronoun related to Old English forms such as þēs. Is comes from an ancient form of the verb be, with roots reaching back to Old English and other Germanic languages.
Although these is plural, the grammatical head of the phrase is each. That relationship explains why the phrase takes the singular verb is.
Related Concepts
Understanding subject–verb agreement and the difference between grammatical number and nearby wording makes this construction easier to use correctly.
- Subject–verb agreement: A verb normally agrees with its grammatical subject in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Distributive pronouns: Words such as each and every refer to members individually and generally require singular verbs.
- Prepositional phrases: In “each of these,” the phrase of these is a prepositional phrase. It provides additional information but does not change the number of the main subject, each.
- Attraction error: This occurs when a writer chooses a verb based on a nearby word rather than the true subject. The plural these can incorrectly attract the plural verb are.
Examples from Media and Literature
Edited publications, documentaries, novels, and formal commentary commonly use each of these is when discussing separate items or individuals. The following examples illustrate the construction in realistic media and literary contexts:
- News reporting: “Each of these measures is intended to reduce operating costs.” This style is typical of reports explaining several policy actions individually.
- Book reviews: “Each of these characters is shaped by a different understanding of loyalty.” The singular verb emphasizes the characters separately.
- Documentary narration: “Each of these artifacts is connected to the community’s early history.”
- Academic commentary: “Each of these studies is based on a different research method.”
- Fictional prose: “Each of these doors is marked with the same symbol.” The sentence treats the doors one at a time.
Each of These Is Synonyms
| Synonym or Alternative | Definition |
|---|---|
| Every one of these is | Emphasizes all individual members of the group; it takes a singular verb. |
| Each one of these is | A slightly more explicit version of “each of these is.” |
| Every one here is | Refers individually to all relevant items in the immediate context. |
| All of these are | Refers to the group collectively and correctly takes the plural verb are. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “each of these is” always correct?
It is correct when each is the subject and the sentence refers to individual members of a group. For example, “Each of these books is available online” uses the correct singular verb.
Question 2: Why is “each of these are” so common?
Speakers and writers may focus on the nearby plural words these or the plural noun that follows. This creates an attraction error. The phrase may appear in informal speech, but it is best avoided in formal and edited writing.
Question 3: When should I use “all of these are” instead?
Use all of these are when you are treating the items as a group rather than emphasizing them individually. For example, “All of these options are practical” correctly uses the plural verb are.
Conclusion
The correct standard construction is “each of these is.” The word each is singular and controls the verb, even when it is followed by the plural demonstrative these and a plural noun. Use the “each one” test to check your sentence quickly. Pro Tip: Consistent subject–verb agreement strengthens your credibility in professional, academic, and public writing.
