Each and every — Sentence Correction Aptitude Question
Each and every: Choose the correct sentence: Answer and worked solution on CodeKairo.
- Topic: Sentence Correction
- Section: Verbal Ability
- Difficulty: Medium
- Time target: 50 seconds
Question
Choose the correct sentence:
Options
- Each of the boys were given a prize.
- Each of the boys was given a prize.
- Each of the boy was given a prize.
- Each of the boys have been given a prize.
Show the answer and the worked solution
Correct answer: B. Each of the boys was given a prize.
Worked solution
- Each is singular, so it takes a singular verb.
- 'Each of the boys was given a prize' is correct.
- The plural boys after 'of' does not change the subject.
Answer: Each of the boys was given a prize.
The idea
Each, every, either, neither, everyone and nobody are all singular. Cross out the phrase after 'of' and the agreement becomes obvious.
Shortcut. Strike out 'of the boys' and only 'Each was given a prize' reads right. Two options use plural verbs (were, have) and one damages the noun (boy), leaving a single candidate.
Common trap. "Each of the boys were given a prize." — letting the plural boys, which sits right next to the verb, decide the agreement, when the subject is the singular Each.