Question

As we traveled the back roads of Arkansas, each of us were equipped with a canteen, a knife, and a compass.

• A. Each of us were equipped
• B. Equipping ourselves
• C. Every one of were equipped
• D. Each of us was equipped
• E. Equipped as we are

Hint:

Pronouns that end in "-one," "-body," or "-thing" (e.g., everyone, somebody, nothing) are always singular. "Each" and "every" are also always singular.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns like "each" and "every."
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The subject of the clause is "Each." The phrase "of us" is a prepositional phrase modifying the subject. Indefinite pronouns like "each," "every," "everyone," and "anyone" are always singular.
Therefore, the subject "Each" requires a singular verb.
The original sentence uses the plural verb "were," creating a subject-verb agreement error. The correct verb must be the singular form, "was."
Option (D) correctly pairs the singular subject "Each" with the singular verb "was."


(A) Incorrect plural verb "were."
(B) Changes the meaning and structure of the sentence into a fragment.
(C) Ungrammatical.
(E) Awkward phrasing and changes the meaning.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The subject "Each" is singular and requires the singular verb "was."