Introduction
Do you ever stop mid-sentence and wonder, “Should I say each student is or each student are?” You are not alone. The words each, every, and all look simple, but they follow very different grammar rules when it comes to singular and plural agreement. Getting them right makes your English sound natural and precise, so let’s break them down step by step.
What Is Each vs Every vs All?
Each, every, and all are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many. They all refer to a group of people or things, but they see that group in different ways.
Each means “one by one,” focusing on individual members of a group. Every means “all the members of a group, without exception,” but it still treats them one at a time grammatically. All means “the whole group together” and is used with plural nouns (or uncountable nouns).
In short: each and every are singular in grammar, while all is plural (or uncountable).
Rules
- Each + singular noun + singular verb. Each student has a book.
- Every + singular noun + singular verb. Every student has a book.
- All + plural noun + plural verb. All students have books.
- Each can be used for two or more items; every is used for three or more. Each of my two hands (correct), every of my two hands (incorrect).
- Each can stand alone as a pronoun; every cannot. Each of them was ready. (correct) vs. Every of them was ready. (incorrect).
- Every + singular noun, but the meaning is “all together.” Every child in the class passed.
- All can also be used with uncountable nouns + singular verb. All the water is gone.
- Each and every can be combined for emphasis. Each and every one of you is important. (still singular)
- Pronouns after each/every are usually singular. Every student must bring his or her book.
- With “each of” and “every one of,” the verb is singular. Each of the boys is here. Every one of the girls was late.
How to Use It
Follow these simple steps to choose the right word and verb form every time.
- Decide what you want to emphasise. Individual members? Use each. The whole group as one unit, one by one? Use every. The group as a whole? Use all.
- Check the noun. Is it singular or plural? Each and every need a singular noun. All needs a plural or uncountable noun.
- Match the verb. Singular noun → singular verb. Plural noun → plural verb.
- Watch out for “of” phrases. Each of / every one of + plural noun + singular verb.
- Check pronouns. Traditional grammar uses singular pronouns with each and every.
Examples:
- Each teacher has a laptop. (singular)
- Every teacher has a laptop. (singular)
- All teachers have laptops. (plural)
- Each of the teachers has a laptop. (singular)
- All of the teachers have laptops. (plural)
Examples in Sentences
- Each student receives a certificate at the end of the course.
- Every student receives a certificate at the end of the course.
- All students receive certificates at the end of the course.
- Each of my brothers is a doctor.
- Every one of the players was tired after the match.
- All of my brothers are doctors.
- Each child needs love and attention.
- Every house on this street has a garden.
- All the houses on this street have gardens.
- Each answer was correct.
- Every answer was correct.
- All the answers were correct.
- All the water is gone. (uncountable noun)
- Each and every employee is expected to attend the meeting.
- Each of us has a different opinion.
Common Mistakes
Here are the five mistakes ESL learners make most often with these words.
- Mistake 1: Using a plural verb with each.
❌ Each student are ready.
✅ Each student is ready. - Mistake 2: Using a plural verb with every.
❌ Every child like ice cream.
✅ Every child likes ice cream. - Mistake 3: Using a singular verb with all + plural noun.
❌ All students is here.
✅ All students are here. - Mistake 4: Using every as a pronoun.
❌ Every of them was happy.
✅ Every one of them was happy. / Each of them was happy. - Mistake 5: Using plural pronouns after each or every in formal writing.
❌ Every student must bring their book. (informal, but often flagged)
✅ Every student must bring his or her book.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, singular noun, singular verb.
- Every = whole group one by one, singular noun, singular verb.
- All = whole group together, plural noun (or uncountable), plural verb (or singular for uncountable).
- Each works for two or more; every works for three or more.
- Each can be a pronoun; every cannot (use every one).
- After each of and every one of, use a singular verb.
- Pronouns after each and every are traditionally singular.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in brackets. Then check your answers below.
- Each of the boys ______ (to be) ready for the trip.
- Every teacher ______ (to have) a meeting on Friday.
- All the students ______ (to be) excited about the holiday.
- Each child ______ (to need) a warm coat in winter.
- All of the milk ______ (to be) fresh.
Answers:
- is
- has
- are
- needs
- is
Conclusion
Mastering each, every, and all is really about matching the right word with the right verb form. Remember: each and every are singular, while all is plural (or singular with uncountable nouns). Practice a little every day, and these rules will soon feel completely natural.
FAQ
1. Is “each” always singular?
Yes. When each is used as a determiner (each student) or a pronoun (each of them), it takes a singular verb. For example: Each student is here. and Each of the students is here. Even though “students” is plural, the subject is “each,” so the verb stays singular.
2. Can I use “every” with a plural noun?
No. Every must be followed by a singular noun: every book, every child, every day. If you want to talk about a plural group, use all: all books, all children, all days. This is one of the most common mistakes ESL learners make.
3. What is the difference between “each” and “every”?
Each emphasises members one by one as individuals, and it can be used for just two items: Each of my two hands is clean. Every emphasises all members of a group without exception, and it needs three or more items: Every student in the class passed. Also, each can stand alone as a pronoun, but every cannot — you need every one.
4. Do “each” and “every” take “their” or “his or her”?
Traditionally, grammar books say to use singular pronouns: Every student must bring his or her book. However, in modern everyday English, many speakers use their as a gender-neutral singular pronoun: Every student must bring their book. Both are widely understood today, but in formal exams and academic writing, the singular form is often preferred. Choose based on your audience and context.
