They each have their own personality

[keannu]

If "personality" is used as the meaning of "individual special character", can't 2 work as it's uncountablel?

1. They each have their own personality.
2. They each have their own personalities.

 

[Raymott]

I think 1 would be more common with 'each'. It's what I'd say.
But I'd say "They all have their own personalities."
Why do you say 'character' or 'personality' is uncountable?

 

[keannu]

There's two definitions. A dictionary defines 2 as uncountable.
1. character
2. unique individuality

 

[MikeNewYork]

I don't consider it to be uncountable.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Interesting question! Honestly, they both sound just fine to me.

On one hand, the plural might suggest that each person has multiple personalities, which points us to using the singular. On the other hand, since there are more than one person and each has her or his own unique personality, there are more than one personality, which suggests using the plural.

So logic favors both. And defeats both. So take your pick!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I don't consider it to be uncountable.

I consider mine to be unaccountable.

 

[MikeNewYork]

What does "mine" refer to?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

My personality. I'm a no-account.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

By the way:

If "personality" is used to mean "individual special character", can't 2 work, as it's uncountablel?

1. They each have their own personality.
2. They each have their own personalities.

Or: Each has its own personality.