Each vs Every: Singular and Collective Reference Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write “each student is” or “each student are“? You are not alone. The words each and every look simple, but they trip up learners and native speakers alike because they describe groups while behaving like singular words. Getting them right makes your English sound precise, natural, and confident.

What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?

Each and every are both distributive quantifiers. That means they take a group and focus on the individual members inside it, one by one. When you say “each child,” you picture the children separately. When you say “every child,” you picture all of them together as a complete group, but you still treat the word as singular.

The key difference is this: each emphasises members as individuals, often in a small or specific group, and it can be used for just two things. Every emphasises all members as a whole, usually needs a group of three or more, and sounds more general. Both are followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.

Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”

1. Use a singular noun after both words. Say “each book” and “every book,” never “each books” or “every books.”
2. Use a singular verb. “Each player has a locker.” “Every player has a locker.” The verb never becomes plural.
3. Use “each” for two items; use “every” for three or more. “She held a glass in each hand” is correct. “Every hand” would be strange because a person only has two.
4. Use “each” when you think of members separately. “Each winner received a medal” stresses the individual winners one at a time.
5. Use “every” when you think of the whole group. “Every winner received a medal” stresses that nobody was left out.
6. Place “each” before “of” with plurals. “Each of the students” is correct. “Every of the students” is wrong; say “every one of the students” instead.
7. Use a singular pronoun in formal writing. “Each employee must bring his or her badge.” In everyday speech, “their” is now widely accepted.
8. Do not use “each” or “every” alone as a plural subject. “Each are ready” is incorrect; write “Each is ready” or “They are each ready.”

How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step

Follow these steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose.

1. Count the group. If there are exactly two members, choose each. If there are three or more, either word can work.
2. Decide on your focus. Do you want to highlight individuals one by one? Use each. Do you want to highlight the complete group with no exceptions? Use every.
3. Check the noun. Make sure the noun right after the word is singular: “each day,” “every day.”
4. Match the verb. Use a singular verb form: is, was, has, goes, seems.
5. Handle “of” phrases carefully. With “each of” or “every one of,” the noun after of is plural, but the verb stays singular: “Each of the boys is here.”
6. Choose the right pronoun. Use it, he, she, or his or her in formal writing. In casual English, their is fine.

Examples in Sentences

• Each student received a certificate at the ceremony.
• Every student in the school received a certificate.
• She wore a ring on each finger.
• Every seat in the theatre was taken.
• Each of the recipes takes less than thirty minutes.
• Every one of the players was exhausted after the match.
• The teacher spoke to each child privately.
• Every morning, he drinks a cup of green tea.
• Each answer on the test was worth two points.
• We visit our grandparents every summer.
• Each of us has a different opinion about the film.
• Not every plan works the first time.

Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”

Here are the errors learners make most often, with clear corrections.

• Plural verb after “each.”
  ❌ Each of the students are ready.
  ✅ Each of the students is ready.
• Plural verb after “every.”
  ❌ Every house on the street have a garden.
  ✅ Every house on the street has a garden.
• Using “every” with two items.
  ❌ He carried a bag in every hand.
  ✅ He carried a bag in each hand.
• Using “every of.”
  ❌ Every of my friends likes football.
  ✅ Every one of my friends likes football. (Or: Each of my friends likes football.)
• Plural noun after the quantifier.
  ❌ Each employees must sign the form.
  ✅ Each employee must sign the form.

Quick Summary

• Each and every are distributive quantifiers that focus on individual members of a group.
• Both take a singular noun and a singular verb.
• Use each for two items or when stressing individuals.
• Use every for three or more items or when stressing the whole group.
• Say “each of” and “every one of,” never “every of.”
• Pronouns stay singular in formal writing: his or her, not their.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with each, every, or the correct verb form. Then check your answers below.

1. ______ of the two sisters has a different personality.
2. ______ student in the class ______ (need) a notebook.
3. She calls her mother ______ Sunday.
4. ______ of the answers ______ (be) correct.
5. He shook hands with ______ player on the team.

Answers:

1. Each (two sisters, so “each”)
2. Every / Each — needs (singular verb)
3. every (repeated routine, whole group of Sundays)
4. Each — is (singular verb)
5. each (individual handshakes, one by one)

Conclusion

Mastering each and every comes down to two habits: always use a singular noun and verb, and choose the word that matches your focus. Use each for individuals or pairs, and every for complete groups of three or more. Practise these patterns daily, and they will soon feel completely natural.

FAQ

Is “each” always singular?

Yes. When each is the subject or part of the subject, it takes a singular verb. “Each of the books is new.” However, when each follows a plural subject as an adverb, the verb stays plural: “The books are each new.” The position of the word changes the grammar.

Can I use “every” with only two things?

Generally, no. Every implies a group of three or more. For two items, use each: “a bracelet on each wrist,” not “every wrist.” Native speakers sometimes stretch this rule for emphasis, but in standard grammar, two items take each.

What pronoun should I use after “each” or “every”?

In formal writing, use a singular pronoun: “Each driver must fasten his or her seatbelt.” In modern informal English, singular they and their are widely accepted: “Every student should bring their laptop.” For exams, follow the formal rule unless your teacher says otherwise.

Is “every of” ever correct?

No. Every cannot be followed directly by of. You must add one: “every one of the guests,” or switch to each: “each of the guests.” Both versions take a singular verb: “Every one of the guests was seated.”