When people debate whether to say to each his own or each to his own, they often get lost in strict style guides and outdated customs. Both versions appear in everyday conversation, yet only one aligns with standard idiom structure. Understanding which one wins requires looking at how the phrase evolved and how native speakers deploy it today.
The established idiom is to each his own, meaning people are entitled to their own unique preferences. While each to his own pops up frequently in casual speech, it scrambles the traditional prepositional layout of the saying. Recognizing the difference helps you write with more precision and avoid awkward phrasing.
The Origin and Structure of the Idiom
The phrase traces its roots back centuries, stemming from the Latin concept suum cuique, which translates to "to each his own." English speakers adopted this structure by keeping the introductory preposition intact.
- To each his own functions as a dative construction. The preposition to targets the indirect object (each), delivering a statement about distribution or allocation of preference.
- Each to his own flips the terms, making each the subject. While listeners will understand what you mean, it alters the rhythmic cadence that makes the idiom effective.
Major usage dictionaries and style guides track idioms based on historical precedent. Because the phrase entered English literature and common speech anchored by the initial preposition, dropping or shifting it creates an irregular variant.
Examining Modern Pronoun Variations
Grammar debates around this idiom usually extend beyond word order to include pronoun choice. As language evolves to favor gender-neutral phrasing, speakers frequently replace the traditional masculine pronoun with modern alternatives.
- To each his own: The historical standard, reflecting an era when masculine pronouns served as generic defaults.
- To each their own: The modern, preferred choice for inclusive writing, acknowledging singular they as accepted standard English.
- To each his or her own: A grammatically safe workaround, though it can sound wordy in fast-paced dialogue.
Switching to to each their own solves potential gender bias without breaking the core structure of the idiom. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, singular they has centuries of precedent, making this update completely natural for contemporary writers.
Common Contexts and Misuses
Idioms lose their punch when forced into literal grammatical dissections. However, knowing when to apply them keeps your prose sounding sharp. Speakers use this expression to acknowledge differing tastes without sparking an argument.
For example, if a colleague prefers working in total silence while you need upbeat music to focus, you might say, "I need background tracks, but you prefer quiet—to each their own."
Writers sometimes confuse this expression with other maxims. Keep these differences in mind:
- Don't confuse it with to thine own self be true, which focuses on personal integrity rather than diverse preferences.
- Avoid turning it into a command; it's a descriptive observation, not an order telling someone how to act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "each to his own" considered grammatically incorrect?
It's not strictly incorrect in casual speech, but it is an altered variant of the standard idiom. Editors generally prefer to each his own or to each their own for professional or published writing.
When did "to each their own" become acceptable?
Singular they has been used in English since the 14th century. Applying it to this specific idiom has become standard practice in modern publishing to ensure inclusive language.
Can I use this phrase in formal business writing?
Idioms carry a casual tone. While acceptable in opinion pieces, blog posts, or conversational emails, you should swap them for clearer phrasing in formal reports or academic papers.
Where does the phrase come from?
It is a direct English translation of the classical Latin phrase suum cuique, meaning "to each what is due to him". Writers like Shakespeare and later novelists helped cement its place in Western literature.
