singular or plural

[Unregistered]

Hello - in the following sentence "John and Michael, each in his own way, changed the outline of the design" - is it correct to write "each in his own way" or is it "each in their way"? And what happens if the sentence starts with "Each in his/their own way"?

 

[2006]

Hello - in the following sentence "John and Michael, each in his own way, changed the outline of the design" - is it correct to write "each in his own way" :tick: or is it "each in their way"? :cross:

And what happens if the sentence starts with "Each in his/their own way"? "Each" is singular, so 'Each in his own way' is correct.
But native speakers often are unaware of or ignore this rule.

2006

 

[Grablevskij]

Let us suppose it was Samantha and John. How could we say then?

Michael

 

[2006]

Let us suppose it was Samantha and John. How could we say then?
Well that's a good question, and the most correct answer would be 'Samantha and John, each in her/his own way......'. ('her or his' in spoken language)
But people like to say things quickly and simply, so many people would say 'Samantha and John each in their own way......'. (even though it's not strictly correct)
The rules of language are often broken for the sake of convenience, and understandably so.
Michael

2006

 

[cclaff]

Before the rise of feminism, while I was growing up, there was only one correct answer - "each in his own way." The word "his" was inclusive of both genders, and in my opinion should have stayed so, in spite of what a number of gentlewomen would now espouse.

 

[2006]

For the students, I should clarify that, besides simplicity, "their" also has the merit of gender neutrality. (for people who care about that)