When each is used as a subject with a present tense verb, the singular form of the verb (which ends with –s) must be used. Here’s how to correct agreement problems in sentences with each.

1. Underline each; then underline the verb that needs to agree with it.

   Example: Each of those books have been made into a movie.

   In this sentence, the singular pronoun each is the simple subject, even though it is modified by a phrase (of those books) that contains a plural noun. Therefore, the sentence requires a singular verb.

2. If the verb is not the singular form, change it to the singular form.

   Revision: Each of those books has been made into a movie.

3. Check for any other number agreement problems related to each.

   Example: Each of those movies was a box-office hit when they opened.

   Here the verb is not a problem; problems in subject-verb agreement show up only when the verb is a present tense form. However, they is a plural pronoun being used with the singular antecedent each. Therefore, they needs to be changed to the singular pronoun it.

   Revision: Each of those movies was a box-office hit when it opened.

4. If Step 2 or 3 results in a revised sentence that seems awkward or wordy, consider changing each to a plural pronoun such as all.

   Wordy: Each of the directors wants Mel Gibson for his or her movie.

   Revised: All of the directors want Mel Gibson for their movies.

Remember: Each is a singular form, so other items that must agree with it must also be in the singular form.

Copyright © 1995-2008, Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Legal and Privacy Terms