each
determiner
UK/iːtʃ/US/iːtʃ/
Every one of two or more considered individually.
Example Sentences
Each student received a certificate for their participation.
Please give each child a piece of candy.
They assigned each team member a specific task to complete.
Each of the books on the shelf is a classic novel.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
pronoun
UK/iːtʃ/US/iːtʃ/
Every one of two or more considered separately or individually.
Example Sentences
Each of them has a unique talent.
The teacher gave each a different assignment to complete.
During the meeting, each presented their ideas for the project.
The committee members voted on each proposal individually.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adjective
UK/iːtʃ/US/iːtʃ/
Used to refer to individual items in a group separately.
Example Sentences
They approached each problem with a different strategy.
Each book in the series explores a unique theme.
The workshop offers different sessions for each skill level.
Each participant received a personalized certificate at the end of the course.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Highlights every individual unit in a collection or set, taken one by one.Typically a determiner or pronoun, “each” focuses on every single element of a group individually. You might say, “Each student submitted a report,” indicating that every student, separately, turned in their own. In a smaller context, “Take one card each,” instructs how many items per person. When using it in a sentence, place “each” before a singular noun (e.g., “each idea,” “each day”) or, when used independently, pair it with a verb that agrees in number (“Each of them has a ticket”). It often implies an equal or uniform distribution—“We each got a slice of pizza.” In instructions or explanations, “each” underscores that the action or state applies individually to members of a set, avoiding confusion with collective references. Whether referencing people, objects, or recurring events, “each” zooms in on distinct, separate entities rather than lumping them into one group.
Alternatives
Depending on context, synonyms or related phrases can shift the tone. “Every” or “all” often appears in similar contexts, yet “every” can feel more collective—“Every student took a test” lumps them together, whereas “each student” stresses their individuality. “Each one” or “each person” can add clarity in a larger group—“Each person had a unique role.” If you want to be more general, “all” might suffice—“All members participated,” though it doesn’t spotlight the individual aspect as much. Phrases like “individually” or “one by one” help emphasize the separated approach—“They collected feedback one by one.” Choosing which term to use depends on how closely you want to emphasize that every element is treated, counted, or recognized separately rather than collectively.
Writing
In writing, “each” can tighten clarity about distinct individuals or items within a group. For instance, in an academic context, “Each participant in the study was interviewed separately” ensures readers know that interviews weren’t done collectively. In business or technical documentation, you might say, “Assign each task to a specific team member,” showing distribution or accountability. If you notice too many “each” repetitions, synonyms like “every” or short phrases like “one by one” can add variety. For lists or instructions, it’s straightforward—“Complete each step carefully.” Keep an eye on subject-verb agreement: with “each,” typically use singular verbs (“Each employee gets a bonus”), though an object or pronoun might be plural (“Each of the files contains data”). This helps avoid confusion and fosters consistency, ensuring the writing precisely conveys that focus on individual parts rather than the group as a whole.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “each” is simple and direct for telling how many or how something applies individually. You might say, “We each paid for our own meal,” meaning everyone took care of their personal bill. Or “They each received a gift,” highlighting the fairness or separate action. If you’re repeating “each,” casual synonyms like “every single one” or “one apiece” can lighten the tone—“We got one apiece.” You’ll often hear phrases like “each of us,” “each of them,” or “each day,” marking routine or separate treatment—“Each day, we learn something new.” If you’re dividing tasks, “We can do each chore in turn” clarifies that tasks happen sequentially and individually, not in bulk. The tone is friendly, neat, and ensures no confusion about who or what gets counted or recognized separately. In conversation, “each” tends to keep things well-organized—everyone knows how many, how often, or how tasks are split, preventing misunderstandings about shared vs. individual duties.
Etymology
“Each” comes from Old English “ǣlc,” which evolved from Proto-Germanic elements implying ‘ever-’ or ‘always’ alongside ‘like’ or ‘alike.’ This early sense expressed something akin to ‘ever alike among many’—underscoring the individual identity of every member within a group. Over time, the form shifted to Middle English “ech” or “ilc,” later blending into the modern “each.” Throughout these linguistic transitions, the core purpose stayed the same: distinguishing and applying statements to every single entity within a larger set, one at a time. This concept remains integral in modern usage, bridging the ancient idea of individually recognizing members of a group with present-day communication that clarifies how actions, attributes, or qualities apply across multiple individuals or items.
