Learn English – Has or Have? Which is grammatically correct and why

grammar

Today my friend asked me if you can use "has" instead of "have" here. I'm not sure how to explain the grammar simply. enter image description here

⑤"Since there is no other food on the table, and each of them have small plates…"

Best Answer

At least in American English, "each" is treated as singular. Therefore, "has" is preferred, and "have" is non-standard.

...each of them has a small plate in front of him.

This is supported by Cambridge Dictionary, so I suspect it holds true for British English as well:

When we use each of with a plural noun as subject, it’s normally followed by a singular verb ...

Each of the buildings is surrounded by high metal fencing.

[emphasis added]

Cambridge indicates that in BrE, the use of a plural verb is common in informal speech:

In informal speaking, you will hear people use a plural verb form:

A: All twelve of us have decided to go to Argentina together.

B: How will you travel around?

A: We’ve divided ourselves into three groups and each of the groups have hired a car.

In my experience, this is not common usage from American speakers.

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