Introduction
Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student” or “every student”? You are not alone. The difference between “each” and “every” is subtle but important for clear, natural English. In this guide, you will learn exactly when to use each word, how they work with singular and plural nouns, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the right word every time.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Both “each” and “every” are determiners (also called quantifiers) that refer to all members of a group. However, they focus on different aspects:
“Each” emphasizes the individual members of a group, one by one. It treats them separately. “Every” emphasizes the group as a whole, without focusing on individual members. It means “all, without exception.”
For example: “Each student received a certificate” highlights that every single student got one. “Every student passed the exam” highlights that no one failed—the group as a whole succeeded.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Both are used with singular countable nouns. Always use a singular verb after “each” or “every” + noun. Example: “Each car has its own key.” / “Every car has a seatbelt.”
- “Each” can be used with plural nouns when followed by “of.” Example: “Each of the students has a laptop.” (Verb is still singular.)
- “Every” is almost always used with singular nouns. However, “every” can appear before plural nouns in fixed phrases like “every three days” or “every few weeks.”
- “Each” can stand alone as a pronoun. Example: “I have two pens. Each is blue.” “Every” cannot be used alone—it must be followed by a noun.
- “Every” is used with abstract singular nouns. Example: “I have every reason to believe you.” “Each” is not used this way.
- “Each” can be used for two items; “every” is for three or more. Example: “Each hand has five fingers.” (Correct.) “Every hand has five fingers.” (Unnatural, because we usually think of two hands.)
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Step 1: Decide if you are focusing on individuals or the group
Ask yourself: Am I thinking about each person/thing separately, or about the whole group? If separate, choose “each.” If group, choose “every.”
Example: “I gave each child a balloon.” (I handed one balloon to each child, one by one.) “Every child got a balloon.” (No child was left out.)
Step 2: Check the noun number
With singular nouns, both are possible: “each student” / “every student.” With plural nouns, you must use “each of” + plural noun + singular verb: “each of the students.”
Step 3: Use “every” for frequency or time expressions
Use “every” with time words: “every day,” “every week,” “every month.” “Each” is not used this way (except in very formal contexts like “each day” meaning “every single day”).
Step 4: Use “each” when the group has only two members
If you are talking about two things, “each” is natural; “every” sounds odd. Example: “Each twin has a different hobby.” (Not “every twin.”)
Step 5: Use “each” before “of”
You can say “each of the books” but not “every of the books.” Instead, say “every one of the books.”
Examples in Sentences
- Each member of the team has a specific role.
- Every member of the team is important.
- She gave each child a piece of cake.
- Every child in the class loves pizza.
- The teacher checked each answer carefully.
- Every answer was correct.
- We meet every Tuesday at 3 PM.
- Each of the students has finished the homework.
- Every one of the students passed the test.
- He shook hands with each guest individually.
- Every guest received a welcome gift.
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make, with corrections:
- Mistake 1: ❌ “Every of the students is here.”
✅ “Each of the students is here.” or “Every one of the students is here.” - Mistake 2: ❌ “Each students have a book.”
✅ “Each student has a book.” (Singular noun, singular verb.) - Mistake 3: ❌ “Every car have an engine.”
✅ “Every car has an engine.” (Singular verb with “every.”) - Mistake 4: ❌ “I go to the gym each three days.”
✅ “I go to the gym every three days.” (Use “every” for frequency with numbers.) - Mistake 5: ❌ “Every hand has ten fingers.”
✅ “Each hand has five fingers.” (Use “each” for two items.)
Quick Summary
- Each focuses on individuals; every focuses on the group.
- Both are followed by singular nouns and singular verbs.
- Each of + plural noun + singular verb is correct.
- Every is used for time and frequency (every day, every three hours).
- Each works with two items; every works with three or more.
- Every cannot be used alone—it needs a noun. Each can stand alone.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every (or each of). Answers are below.
- ______ student in the class has a dictionary.
- She called ______ one of her friends individually.
- We go on vacation ______ summer.
- ______ of the two options is acceptable.
- ______ employee must complete the training.
Answers:
- Every (or Each, but “every” is more natural for the whole class)
- each
- every
- Each
- Every (or Each, but “every” is more common for company policies)
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “each” and “every” will make your English more precise and natural. Remember: “each” is for individuals, “every” is for the group. Use “each of” with plural nouns, and “every” with time expressions. Keep practicing with the exercises above, and soon you will choose the right word without even thinking.
FAQ
1. Can I use “each” and “every” with plural verbs?
No, not usually. Both “each” and “every” are followed by singular nouns and singular verbs. For example, “Each student is ready” (not “are ready”). However, when “each” comes after a plural subject, the verb can be plural: “The students each have a book.” This is a different structure.
2. Is there a difference between “each of” and “every one of”?
Yes, but they are often interchangeable. “Each of” emphasizes the individuals in the group. “Every one of” emphasizes that no one is excluded. For example: “Each of the players has a number” (focus on individual numbers). “Every one of the players is tired” (focus on the whole group being tired). Both require a singular verb.
3. Can I say “every student” and “each student” in the same sentence?
Yes, but they have slightly different meanings. “Every student must bring a pencil” means all students, no exceptions. “Each student must bring a pencil” means every individual student, one by one. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but the nuance is different.
4. Why can’t I say “every of the books”?
Because “every” is a determiner that must be followed directly by a noun (or an adjective + noun). It cannot be followed by “of.” To express the same idea, use “every one of the books” or “each of the books.”