Grammar can often feel like walking through a maze. You turn one corner thinking you’ve got it figured out, only to bump into a new rule that sends you back to square one. And when it comes to using verbs correctly, the path doesn’t get any straighter. Take the dilemma of “each of us have” versus “each of us has.” It sounds simple, right? But this tiny choice can make a big difference in how your sentence is understood.
Here’s the thing: English is a living language, constantly evolving and changing. That means even seasoned writers and speakers can get tripped up by its rules. So, if you’ve ever found yourself pausing mid-sentence, trying to decide between “have” and “has”, you’re not alone. But why is it so confusing, and more importantly, how can you master this rule once and for all? The answer might surprise you.
The correct choice between “each of us have” and “each of us has” depends on the subject-verb agreement. The phrase “each of us” refers to every single person in a group, but treats them as individuals. Therefore, the correct form is “each of us has.” This is because “each” is a singular subject, which needs a singular verb. For example, saying “Each of us has a unique talent” is correct. Remember, when you talk about members of a group as separate individuals with “each,” use a singular verb like “has.”
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement in English
Mastering subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of English grammar. It ensures that you use the correct verb form with singular and plural subjects, ultimately improving the clarity of your writing. In this section, we will cover the basics of singular and plural subjects, as well as when to use ‘has’ and ‘have’ in American English.
The Basics of Singular and Plural Subjects
Singular subjects refer to one person, thing, or entity, such as he, she, or it. Plural subjects, on the other hand, refer to more than one person, thing, or entity, like we, you, and they. The subject-verb agreement dictates that you should use a singular verb for singular subjects and a plural verb for plural subjects. For example, you would say “She reads a book” (singular subject and verb), and “They read books” (plural subject and verb).
When to Use ‘Has’ in American English
When discussing possession or experience in the present tense, use ‘has’ for third-person singular pronouns, such as he, she, or it. Let’s observe some correct examples:
“She has red hair.”
“He has learned how to crochet.”
As these examples show, using ‘has’ with third-person singular pronouns in the present tense accurately conveys possession or experience.
When to Use ‘Have’ in American English
Similarly, use ‘have’ in the present tense when speaking in first-person singular (I), first-person plural (we), second person (you), and third-person plural (they). Here are some correct examples:
“I have seen that movie.”
“They have worked hard on this project.”
As demonstrated above, using ‘have’ with the appropriate pronouns accurately conveys possession or experience in the present tense.
Exploring the Indefinite Pronoun ‘Each’: Singular or Plural?
Understanding the singular or plural nature of the indefinite pronoun ‘each’ is crucial for ensuring correct verb conjugation, which often depends on the context and position of ‘each’ in a sentence. Although it may seem challenging, grasping the usage of ‘each’ in grammar will enable you to write and communicate clearly and effectively in English.
Generally, ‘each’ is considered an indefinite pronoun with a singular usage. When used in this manner, it typically requires a singular verb, which is essential for maintaining grammatical accuracy. However, when ‘each’ follows a plural noun or pronoun, it shifts to the plural context, and the verb conjugates accordingly.
For example, when ‘each’ is the subject of a sentence: “Each person has a unique perspective.”
In this sentence, ‘each’ takes on a singular usage and requires the singular verb ‘has.’ However, when ‘each’ follows a plural noun, it goes beyond the singular context:
“The team members each have their own skillset.”
In this example, ‘each’ follows the plural noun ‘team members’ and necessitates the plural verb ‘have’ for correct conjugation.
| Context | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | ‘Each’ as a subject or follows a singular noun/pronoun | “Each student has a book.” |
| Plural | ‘Each’ follows a plural noun/pronoun | “Students each have a backpack.” |
To master the indefinite pronoun ‘each’ and its impact on verb conjugation, remember to pay close attention to the context and position of ‘each’ within the sentence. With practice, you will be able to use ‘each’ correctly, eliminating confusion and enhancing the clarity of your communication.
The Role of Pronouns in Determining Verb Conjugation
In the English language, the choice between using “has” or “have” often depends on the pronouns and nouns associated with the subject. This section will explore the impact of singular and plural pronouns as well as collective subjects on determining the appropriate verb conjugation with ‘each’.
Using ‘Each’ with Singular Pronouns
When working with singular pronouns such as “I,” “you,” “he,” “she,” “it,” or “one,” ‘each’ necessitates the use of the singular verb conjugation ‘has.’ This aligns with the established grammatical structure for subject-verb agreement. For example:
Each of us has a unique talent.
In this sentence, the singular pronoun “us” is followed by the verb “has,” adhering to the standard rule that ‘each’ is singular and requires a singular verb.
Using ‘Each’ with Plural Pronouns and Nouns
When dealing with plural pronouns like “we,” “you,” and “they” or plural nouns (e.g., “children” or “people”), the plural verb conjugation ‘have’ is used, especially when ‘each’ comes after the subject. Let’s observe this rule in action:
Children have struggled during the pandemic.
In this example, the plural noun ‘children’ is followed by the plural verb ‘have,’ demonstrating the use of ‘have’ in conjunction with a plural subject.
It’s essential to recognize the role of collective subjects when considering the appropriate verb conjugation with ‘each.’ Collective subjects, such as “team” or “committee,” typically refer to a group of people or things. In such instances, verb usage may vary depending on whether the group is considered as one entity (singular) or as multiple individuals (plural). Here’s an example to illustrate this concept:
Each team member has contributed to the project.
In this sentence, ‘team member’ is considered as singular, thus requiring the use of the singular verb ‘has.’
| Subject | Each with Singular Pronouns | Each with Plural Pronouns and Nouns |
|---|---|---|
| Singular Pronoun (e.g., he, she, it) | Each (singular pronoun) has… | N/A |
| Plural Pronoun (e.g., we, you, they) | N/A | Each of (plural pronoun) have… |
| Collective Subject (e.g., team, committee) | Each (collective subject) has… | (Collective subject) each have… |
Understanding the significance of pronouns and the rules regarding subject-verb agreement is critical for using ‘each’ correctly in your writing. By paying close attention to singular and plural pronouns and collective subjects, you will improve your grammar skills and develop a stronger command of the English language.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers sometimes make common grammar mistakes when it comes to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of ‘has’ and ‘have.’ In this section, we’ll explore the most frequent errors and provide guidance on how to avoid them.
Error 1: Mismatching subject-verb agreement with ‘each’
Often, people mistakenly use ‘have’ when they should be using ‘has’ with the indefinite pronoun ‘each.’ Remember, ‘each’ is singular and generally requires a singular verb, such as ‘has,’ unless it follows a plural noun or pronoun. For example, “Each person has a vote,” not “Each person have a vote.”
Error 2: Misusing collective nouns in subject-verb agreement
Collective nouns can be a bit tricky, as they might require a singular or plural verb, depending on the context. When the collective noun represents a single unit, use a singular verb; but when the emphasis is on the individual members, use a plural verb. For instance, “The team has a great spirit” is correct, but “The team have their own opinions” is the appropriate usage when referring to individual preferences.
Error 3: Incorrectly using ‘has’ and ‘have’ with third-person singular subjects
Third-person singular subjects always take the verb ‘has.’ Common errors involve using ‘have’ instead of ‘has’ in such instances. Ensure that you use ‘has’ with third-person singular pronouns like ‘he,’ ‘she,’ and ‘it.’ For example, “She has a problem” is correct, not “She have a problem.”
Remember, ‘each’ is singular, collective nouns can be singular or plural, and third-person singular subjects always take ‘has.’
Tips to avoid these common grammar mistakes:
- Pay close attention: Carefully read your sentences and examine the subjects to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. Look out for ‘each,’ collective nouns, and third-person singular subjects.
- Practice with examples: Study sentences with correct subject-verb agreement, focusing on the proper usage of ‘has’ and ‘have.’ This practice helps reinforce grammar rules and builds familiarity with correct constructions.
- Proofread: Reread your writing to check for errors and ensure that you have used the appropriate verb form based on the subject.
- Use grammar tools: Take advantage of grammar checking tools to help identify errors and provide suggestions for improvement.
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Each person have a vote. | Each person has a vote. | ‘Each’ is singular and requires a singular verb. |
| The team has their own opinions. | The team have their own opinions. | Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context. |
| She have a problem. | She has a problem. | Third-person singular subjects always take ‘has.’ |
By keeping these common grammar mistakes in mind and following our tips, you can significantly improve your writing and communicate more effectively.
Examples of Correct Usage in Sentences
Mastering the correct usage of “each” in relation to “has” and “have” revolves around understanding subject-verb agreement. Let’s explore several examples that demonstrate proper grammar and subject-verb agreement with “each” in English sentences, showcasing how possession is addressed correctly.
In this sentence, “each” precedes the singular noun “member,” which then requires the singular verb “has” to form a grammatically correct statement.
Example 2: The students each have their own textbooks.
Here, “each” follows the plural noun “students,” maintaining the plural verb “have” to reflect proper subject-verb agreement.
| Context | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Each with Singular Noun | Each employee has a personal laptop. | “Each” is followed by the singular noun “employee,” so “has” is the correct verb. |
| Each with Plural Noun | The dogs each have a bone. | “Each” follows the plural noun “dogs,” so the plural verb “have” is used. |
| Each with Singular Pronoun | Each of us has a unique talent. | “Each of us” is essentially singular, so the singular verb “has” applies. |
- Remember that “each” is generally singular and requires a singular verb.
- Pay close attention to the position of “each” in the sentence: if it follows a plural noun or pronoun, use the plural verb “have.”
- When “each” is used with singular pronouns or precedes a singular noun, use the singular verb “has.”
Through these examples and tips, you can achieve a more in-depth understanding of subject-verb agreement and confidently use “each” in your English writing and conversations.
‘Each’ in Compound Subjects – Special Considerations
When it comes to subject-verb agreement in sentences with compound subjects and the use of ‘each,’ there are specific rules to follow. The position of ‘each’ in the sentence determines its impact on the verb. In this section, we’ll examine the complexities of using ‘each’ after plural subjects and with compound subjects in sentence structure.
What Happens When ‘Each’ Follows a Plural Subject?
When ‘each’ appears after a plural subject, it often emphasizes individual attention to the members of a group. In this context, the plural verb ‘have’ is used. An example would be:
“The players each have a position to defend.”
Since ‘each’ follows the plural subject ‘players,’ the plural verb ‘have’ is used to maintain subject-verb agreement. This indicates that all the players in the group are defending their individual positions.
Singular Verbs and Compound Subjects with ‘Each’
When ‘each’ precedes a compound subject, the focus is on individuals separately within the group. In this case, a singular verb is generally used. Take the following example:
“Each boy and girl has a toy.”
Here, ‘each’ appears before the compound subject ‘boy and girl,’ emphasizing the individual members of the group. Consequently, the singular verb ‘has’ is used to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.
Let’s look at some more examples to properly understand the use of ‘each’ with compound subjects in a sentence structure:
- “Each person and organization has a unique approach to problem-solving.”
- “The puppies and kittens each have their own toys.”
In both examples, ‘each’ is used effectively to maintain subject-verb agreement with the compound subjects.
It’s essential to understand and correctly apply these rules when dealing with compound subjects that include ‘each’ to avoid subject-verb agreement complexities and write clear, grammatically correct sentences.
Additional Tips for Mastering ‘Each of Us Have or Has’
Mastering subject-verb agreement with ‘each’ is an essential skill for enhancing your English language proficiency. One of the most effective grammatical tips for tackling ‘each’ is to closely monitor its position in relation to the subject of the sentence. This will help you determine whether you should use a singular or plural verb.
Practice is key in becoming proficient with ‘each’ in your writing and speech. Work through examples that utilize ‘each’ in different positions and with various subjects. This will not only help you become more comfortable with the rule that ‘each’ is singular, but also assist in identifying instances where ‘each’ is used after plural nouns or pronouns, requiring a plural verb.
Lastly, consistently applying the rules surrounding ‘each’ will ensure your language skills continue to develop. Remember, ‘each’ is generally singular except when used after plural nouns or pronouns, and by reinforcing these guidelines in your everyday communication, you will strengthen your subject-verb agreement mastery and overall English language proficiency.
