What is each? Pronunciation and usage in English

each means . Learn how to pronounce and use each through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of each

eachdeterminer

/iːtʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of each

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "each" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /iːt/ (like "eat")

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  1. "ee" sound: This is the most important part. Say the vowel sound in "see" or "eat." It's a long "e" sound.
  2. "t" sound: Just a simple, sharp "t" at the end.

Putting it together: “ee-t”

Why it's tricky:

  • The "ch" sound is silent: The "ch" digraph (the two letters together) doesn't make a "ch" sound. It's simply part of the vowel sound.
  • Many people say "each" like "ache": This pronunciation is incorrect. “Ache” has a different vowel sound.

Resources to help you hear it:

To check your pronunciation, try saying these words and comparing:

  • Eat
  • Feet
  • Meet
  • Treat

Would you like me to:

  • Record myself saying "each" so you can hear it?
  • Give you some more practice words to pronounce?

Usage and examples with the word each in English

Let's break down how to use the word "each" in English. It's a versatile word, but it's used in specific ways. Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Basic Meaning: One of a Pair or Group

At its core, "each" means "one of two or more." It refers to a single item (or person) within a group.

  • Example: "Each student should bring a pencil." (Every student needs to bring one pencil.)
  • Example: "Each car has four tires." (Every single car has four tires.)
  • Example: "Give each person a piece of cake." (Give one piece to every person.)

2. With Plural Nouns - Emphasizing Individual Items

This is its most common usage. You use "each" to highlight that you're talking about singular items from a larger collection.

  • Example: “Each book in the library has a unique story.” (Focus is on the individuality of each book)
  • Example: "Each member of the team received a certificate of achievement." (Each member got one certificate.)

3. With Collective Nouns (Groups of People or Animals)

“Each” can be used with collective nouns like “team,” “family,” “group,” “class,” etc., to emphasize the individual members.

  • Example: "Each member of the team contributed to the project's success.” (Not just the team as a whole, but each individual.)
  • Example: "Each child in the class received a gold star." (Highlighting that each child got a star.)

4. With “One” (Often for Contrast or Illustration)

You can use “each” to contrast with “one” or to give a more specific emphasis.

  • Example: “One customer complained, but each customer praised the service.” (Emphasizes that many customers were happy.)
  • Example: “One person made a mistake, but each person tried their best.” (Highlights everyone's effort.)

5. In Formal Writing & Legal Documents

"Each" is frequently used in more formal writing, legal documents, and technical materials where precision is important.

  • Example: "Each clause shall be interpreted in accordance with…"

Key Points to Remember:

  • It always goes before the noun it modifies. (e.g., ‘Each book,’ ‘Each student’)
  • It's often interchangeable with “every”, but “each” sometimes carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the individual item. (e.g., "Every student" vs. "Each student")
  • Don’t use “each” when you're referring to the group as a whole. (Incorrect: "Each student is happy.") – Correct: "The students are happy."

Let's test your understanding:

Fill in the blank with either "each" or "every":

  1. ____ dog needs exercise.
  2. ____ employee should attend the meeting.
  3. ____ student received a prize.

Answers:

  1. Each
  2. Every
  3. Each

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "each" differs from “every”?
  • Provide some exercises for you to practice using “each”?

Synonyms for the word each

Idioms of the word each

each and every
every single one
  • I look forward to seeing each and every one of you as we celebrate our 50th year.

Practice with vocabulary each

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. __________ participant in the leadership workshop received a personalized coaching session.
  2. __________ of the newly installed machines undergoes a rigorous test before being put into operation.
  3. The online platform ensures that __________ user has access to comprehensive support resources.
  4. After the successful product launch, __________ team members celebrated their collective achievement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The legal team ensured that __________ of the contractual clauses received individual scrutiny. a) all b) each c) some d) every

  2. The company provides a secure locker for __________ employee's personal belongings. a) all b) both c) each d) many

  3. During the quarterly review, __________ department presented its performance metrics and future objectives. a) some b) each c) several d) few

  4. Before implementing the new policy, it's crucial to understand __________ implication it might have on staff morale. a) each b) every c) several d) a few

  5. __________ the relevant documents have been digitized and archived for future reference. a) Each of b) A lot of c) Most of d) All of

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: All members of the project team received specific tasks and deadlines. Rewrite using "each":

  2. Original: Managers are individually responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Rewrite using "each":

  3. Original: You should check every single item on the inventory list before dispatch. Rewrite not using "each":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Each
  2. Each
  3. every
  4. all

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) each, d) every
  2. c) each
  3. b) each
  4. b) every
  5. d) All of

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Each member of the project team received specific tasks and deadlines.
  2. Each manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. (Or: Each of the managers is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations.)
  3. You should check all the items on the inventory list before dispatch. (Or: You should check every item on the inventory list before dispatch.)

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