Each Of You Has Or Have

Each of You Has or Have: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

The seemingly simple phrase "each of you" often trips up writers when it comes to subject-verb agreement. Should it be followed by a singular verb ("has") or a plural verb ("have")? This article will clarify the correct usage and help you avoid this common grammatical mistake. Understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective writing, improving your overall writing quality and boosting your SEO by ensuring search engines understand your content.

The Rule: Singular Verb with "Each of..."

The correct usage is always a singular verb. Therefore, the grammatically correct phrase is "each of you has." This holds true even though "you" is typically a plural pronoun. The reason lies in the word "each." "Each" inherently refers to one individual within a group. It focuses on the individual, not the collective.

Think of it this way: "Each of you has a unique perspective" implies that every single person in the group possesses their own perspective. Using "have" would suggest a shared, collective perspective, which isn't what the sentence intends.

Examples of Correct Usage:

• Each of you has a responsibility to contribute.
• Each of you has been invited to the party.
• Each of you has an opportunity to succeed.
• Each of you has access to the online resources.
• Each of you has a different skill set.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion arises because "each of you" sounds like it should take a plural verb, mirroring the plurality of "you." However, grammar often prioritizes the agreement between the subject closest to the verb, in this case, "each." This principle overrides the perceived plurality of "you."

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Incorrect: Each of you have a different opinion.

• Correct: Each of you has a different opinion.

• Incorrect: Each of you have been notified of the changes.

• Correct: Each of you has been notified of the changes.

• Incorrect: Each of you have the potential to grow.

• Correct: Each of you has the potential to grow.

Expanding on the Concept:

This rule extends beyond "each of you." It applies to similar phrases using "each" as the subject:

• Each of the students has completed the assignment.
• Each of the houses has a unique architectural style.
• Each of the cars has its own set of features.

Improving Your Writing and SEO:

Mastering subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of clear communication. By consistently using the correct verb form, you enhance the readability and professionalism of your writing. This also benefits your SEO efforts. Search engines rely on grammatically correct and well-structured content to understand and rank your website effectively. Accurate grammar signals authority and expertise to both search engines and your audience, contributing to a better user experience and higher search rankings. So, remember: each of you has the power to write with precision and clarity!