Understanding Each vs Both is important for writing and speaking correct English. Many learners confuse these two words because they both talk about people or things in a group. However, their meanings and grammar rules are different.

In this complete guide, you will learn:

• What “each” means

• What “both” means

• What is the difference between each and both

• Each vs both sentences

• Each vs both examples

• Each vs both exercises

• Each vs both quiz

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is the Meaning of “Each”?

Definition of Each

“Each” refers to every individual person or thing in a group. It focuses on one item at a time.

Even if there are two, three, or more items, “each” looks at them separately.

Simple Idea:

Each = one by one

Examples:

• Each student has a book.

• Each player received a medal.

• Each child is happy.

Notice something important:
The verb after “each” is singular.

Grammar Rules for “Each”

Here are the main rules:

1. Each + Singular Noun

• Each student is ready.

• Each car has a number.

2. Each of + Plural Noun/Pronoun

• Each of the students is ready.

• Each of them is happy.

Even though the noun is plural, the verb remains singular.

Correct: Each of the players is here.
Incorrect: Each of the players are here.

What Is the Meaning of “Both”?

Definition of Both

“Both” refers to two people or two things together.

It talks about them as a pair, not separately.

Simple Idea:

Both = the two together

Examples:

• Both students are present.

• Both dogs are barking.

• Both answers are correct.

Notice the difference:
The verb after “both” is plural.

Grammar Rules for “Both”

1. Both + Plural Noun

• Both teachers are kind.

• Both books are interesting.

2. Both of + Object Pronoun

• Both of them are ready.

• Both of us are tired.

The verb is always plural with “both.”

Correct: Both of the boys are playing.
Incorrect: Both of the boys is playing.

What Is the Difference Between Each and Both?

This is the most important part of the guide.

Core Difference

Simple Explanation

• “Each” focuses on individuals.

• “Both” focuses on two items together.

Side-by-Side Examples

• Each student received a certificate.
  (One student at a time)

• Both students received certificates.
  (The two students together)

Another example:

• Each child has a toy.

• Both children have toys.

Now you can clearly see the difference between each and both.

Each vs Both in Sentences

Here are more comparisons to help you understand clearly:

1. Each girl is wearing a dress.
   Both girls are wearing dresses.

2. Each answer is correct.
   Both answers are correct.

3. Each employee has an ID card.
   Both employees have ID cards.

Notice:

• Each → singular noun + singular verb

• Both → plural noun + plural verb

Each of Both Meaning – Is It Correct?

Many learners ask about “each of both meaning.”

The truth is:

Wrong: “Each of both” is grammatically incorrect.

You cannot use “each” and “both” together like this.

Instead, say:

• Each of the two students is ready.

• Both students are ready.

Do not combine them.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Here are frequent errors:

1. Wrong Verb Agreement

Wrong: Each of them are here.
Right: Each of them is here.

Wrong: Both of them is ready.
Right: Both of them are ready.

2. Using Both for More Than Two

Wrong: Both of the three students are here.
Right: Use “all” instead.

3. Using Each as Plural

Wrong: Each students are ready.
Right: Each student is ready.

Each vs Both Examples (Advanced Usage)

In Conversation

• Each of us has a role to play.

• Both of us agree with you.

For Academic Writing

• Each participant was interviewed.

• Both theories are valid.

In Professional Context

• Each employee must sign the form.

• Both managers approved the decision.

Each vs Both Exercises

1. Exercise

Fill in the blanks

1. ______ student has a notebook.

2. ______ of them are friends.

3. ______ of the players is ready.

4. ______ teachers are present.

2. Exercise

Choose the correct word

1. (Each/Both) child has a toy.

2. (Each/Both) girls are sisters.

3. (Each/Both) of them is correct.

4. (Each/Both) answers are right.

Exercise Answers

1. Each

2. Both

3. Each

4. Both

Each vs Both Quiz

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Each of the students ___ present.
   a) are
   b) is

2. Both of the boys ___ playing.
   a) is
   b) are

3. Each teacher ___ responsible.
   a) are
   b) is

4. Both answers ___ correct.
   a) is
   b) are

Quiz Answers

1. b) is

2. b) are

3. b) is

4. b) are

Read also more related topics: Each VS Every

Neither vs Nor

Either VS Any

Neither VS None

Either vs Too

Either VS Both

Quick Summary: Each vs Both

• Each = one by one

• Both = two together

• Each uses singular verbs

• Both uses plural verbs

• “Each of both” is incorrect

If you remember just one rule:

Each = individual
Both = pair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between each and both?

“Each” focuses on individuals and uses a singular verb. “Both” refers to two items together and uses a plural verb.

Can we use each for two people?

Yes. You can say:

• Each of the two boys is ready.

Is “each of both” correct?

No, it is grammatically incorrect.

Do we use singular or plural verbs with each?

Singular verbs.

Do we use singular or plural verbs with both?

Plural verbs.

Conclusion

Now you fully understand Each vs Both, including meanings, grammar rules, examples, exercises, and quiz practice.

Keep practicing by writing your own each vs both sentences. The more you practice, the more confident you will become.