When it comes to grammar, understanding subject-verb agreement can sometimes be tricky, especially with phrases like “each one of you.” The correct answer here is:
“Each one of you is” is grammatically correct.
Let’s dive into why this is the case and break down the rules behind it.
Why “Each One of You Is” Is Correct
1. Subject-Verb Agreement with “Each”
The word “each” is always treated as singular, regardless of the context in which it appears. This is because “each” refers to one individual at a time, not the group as a whole. For example:
- Correct: Each one of you is responsible.
- Incorrect: Each one of you are responsible.
In this phrase, “is” matches the singular subject “each one.”
2. Breaking Down the Sentence
The full phrase “each one of you” can be analyzed as:
- “Each”: Singular subject.
- “One”: Reinforces the singularity of the subject.
- “Of you”: A prepositional phrase modifying “each one,” referring to the group collectively but not affecting the singularity of the subject.
The verb must match the singular subject (“each one”), not the plural object of the preposition (“you”).
3. Examples in Use
Here are a few examples illustrating this rule:
- Correct: Each of the students is required to submit their homework.
- Correct: Each one of the players is practicing hard.
- Incorrect: Each of the employees are responsible for their work.
In every case, “each” dictates the use of a singular verb, regardless of the plural noun that follows.
Why “Each One of You Are” Is Incorrect
The verb “are” is used with plural subjects. Since “each” is singular, using “are” would result in a mismatch between the subject and the verb. For example:
- Incorrect: Each one of you are doing great.
- Correct: Each one of you is doing great.
The plural “you” in the prepositional phrase “of you” does not change the fact that the subject is singular.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
- Focusing on “You” Instead of “Each”: Many people mistakenly think “you” (a plural word in this context) is the subject, leading them to pair it with “are.” However, the true subject is “each,” which is singular.
- Informal Speech: In casual conversation, some might say “each one of you are” because it sounds natural, but it’s grammatically incorrect.
The correct sentence is: “Each one of you is.”
This rule stems from the singular nature of the word “each,” which dictates that the verb must also be singular. Paying attention to subject-verb agreement ensures clear and correct communication in both written and spoken English.