Is to each their own formal or informal?

It is neutral and polite, but it sounds more spoken than written. It is fine in everyday conversation and informal writing.

What is the difference between to each their own and whatever?

To each their own sounds respectful. Whatever can sound rude or careless.

Can I use to each their own in IELTS speaking?

Yes, if you want to show polite disagreement about preferences. Use it naturally, not too often.

Is each to his own still used?

Yes, but it can sound old-fashioned. To each their own is more common and inclusive now.

← Dictionary

to-each-their-own

/tuː iːtʃ ðeə(r) əʊn/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

Used to say that people can have different tastes, opinions, or choices. It shows that you accept someone else's preference, even if you do not share it.

You like quiet holidays, and I like busy cities — to each their own.
He loves spicy food; to each their own.
She buys expensive shoes, but to each their own.

Adinary Nuance

To each their own is a polite, flexible way to accept different preferences. It is closer to “different people like different things” than to agreement. Compared with “whatever,” it sounds more respectful and less dismissive. Compared with “each to his own,” it is more inclusive and modern.

In other languages

Vietnamese: Mỗi người một ý
Spanish: Cada quien a lo suyo
Chinese: 各有所好
Japanese: 人それぞれ
Korean: 사람마다 다르다

Etymology

This phrase developed in English as a simple way to express personal freedom of choice. It is built from common words, and the full idiom became fixed in everyday use by the 19th century.

Common phrases

to each their ownwell, to each their ownto each their own, I guess

Synonyms

different strokes for different folks each to their own whatever floats your boat

Related words

preference taste opinion tolerance

Frequently asked questions

Is to each their own formal or informal?: It is neutral and polite, but it sounds more spoken than written. It is fine in everyday conversation and informal writing.
What is the difference between to each their own and whatever?: To each their own sounds respectful. Whatever can sound rude or careless.
Can I use to each their own in IELTS speaking?: Yes, if you want to show polite disagreement about preferences. Use it naturally, not too often.
Is each to his own still used?: Yes, but it can sound old-fashioned. To each their own is more common and inclusive now.