Introduction
Do you ever stop and wonder whether you should say each or every? These two little words look similar, and many learners use them interchangeably. However, small differences in meaning and grammar can change how natural your English sounds. In this guide, you will learn exactly when to use each for individual focus and every for collective reference, plus how to avoid the most common mistakes.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each and every are both determiners that we use before singular countable nouns to talk about all members of a group. The key difference is focus. Each emphasises members one by one, as individuals. Every emphasises all members together, as a complete group with no exceptions.
Think of it this way: each puts a spotlight on one person or thing at a time, while every shines a light on the whole group at once. Both are followed by a singular noun and take a singular verb, but their meaning and use in context are different.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Use a singular noun after both words. Say each student and every student, never each students or every students.
- Use a singular verb. Both words take singular verb forms: Each child is ready and Every child is ready.
- Use “each” for individual focus. Choose each when you want to highlight members separately, especially in small or specific groups.
- Use “every” for collective focus. Choose every when you mean “all members without exception,” often in larger or general groups.
- “Each” can be a pronoun; “every” cannot. You can say Each of them was late or simply Each was late. But Every was late is incorrect — every must be followed by a noun.
- “Each” works with “of”; “every” usually does not. Say each of the boys, but avoid every of the boys. Use every one of the boys instead.
- “Every” can express frequency; “each” cannot. We say every day, every week, every two hours. We do not say each day to mean “regularly.”
- Both can be used with “almost,” “nearly,” and “practically.” For example, Almost every student passed and Almost each student passed are both possible, though every is more common here.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to choose the right word every time.
- Ask yourself: am I thinking of members individually or as a whole? If you see them one by one, use each. If you see them as one complete group, use every.
- Check the size and specificity of the group. Each often works with small, specific groups (each of my three brothers). Every often works with larger or general groups (every citizen in the country).
- Decide if you need a pronoun. If you want to use the word alone as a subject or object, choose each: Each has a number. Every needs a noun after it.
- Check for “of.” If you want to use “of,” choose each of or every one of, not every of.
- Make the verb singular. Whether you choose each or every, the verb that follows must be singular.
- Check for time expressions. If you are talking about frequency (daily, weekly, hourly), use every: every morning, every Monday.
Examples in Sentences
- Each student received a certificate. (individual focus)
- Every student received a certificate. (collective focus, no exceptions)
- Each of the rooms has a balcony. (“each of” + plural noun + singular verb)
- Every room has a balcony. (“every” + singular noun)
- I see my grandmother every Sunday. (frequency — only “every” works here)
- The teacher spoke to each child individually. (one by one)
- Every child in the school knows that song. (the whole group)
- Each of us has a different opinion. (“each” as a pronoun with “of”)
- Every one of us has a different opinion. (“every one of” instead of “every of”)
- She checked each answer carefully before submitting the test.
- Every answer was correct. (all of them, as a group)
- They visit their parents every two weeks.
- Each member of the team contributed something unique.
- Every member of the team agreed with the plan.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
Even intermediate learners make these errors. Check your own writing against this list.
- Mistake 1: Using a plural noun after each/every.
❌ Each students have a book.
✅ Each student has a book. - Mistake 2: Using a plural verb.
❌ Every child are happy.
✅ Every child is happy. - Mistake 3: Using “every” as a pronoun.
❌ Every was invited.
✅ Everyone was invited. or Each was invited. - Mistake 4: Saying “every of.”
❌ Every of the boys passed.
✅ Every one of the boys passed. or Each of the boys passed. - Mistake 5: Using “each” for frequency.
❌ I go to the gym each day at 7 a.m. (possible but less natural)
✅ I go to the gym every day at 7 a.m.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, one by one.
- Every = collective focus, all together, no exceptions.
- Both take a singular noun and a singular verb.
- Each can be a pronoun; every cannot.
- Use each of or every one of, never every of.
- Use every for frequency: every day, every week.
- Use each for small, specific groups; every for large or general groups.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every. Then check your answers below.
- ______ student in the class received a new notebook.
- She visits her aunt ______ Friday afternoon.
- ______ of the two sisters has a different personality.
- The manager spoke to ______ employee personally.
- I try to drink water ______ two hours.
Answers:
- Each or Every (both possible; each emphasises individuals, every emphasises the whole group).
- every (frequency)
- Each (small, specific group of two; “each of” is required)
- each (individual, personal focus)
- every (frequency with a time interval)
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between each and every helps you express yourself more precisely in everyday English. Remember: each for individuals, every for the whole group, and both with singular nouns and verbs. With a little practice, choosing the right word will become automatic.
FAQ
1. Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Not always. They are similar, but not identical. Each emphasises individual members one by one, while every emphasises the whole group with no exceptions. In many sentences, both are possible, but the meaning shifts slightly. For example, Each student received a prize suggests the teacher gave prizes one at a time. Every student received a prize suggests all students, without exception, got one. Also, every is required for frequency expressions like every day, and each is required when using the word as a pronoun or with “of.”
2. Is “each” always followed by a singular verb?
Yes, when each is the subject or determiner, the verb is singular. Each student is here. Each of the boys has a bag. However, be careful with sentences like They each have a bag, where each follows the plural subject they. In this case, the verb agrees with they, so it is plural. This is a common exception that confuses many learners.
3. Why can’t I say “every of the students”?
In English, every cannot be directly followed by “of.” Instead, you must add one: every one of the students. Alternatively, you can use each of the students, which is perfectly correct. This is because every functions only as a determiner before a singular noun, while each can function as a pronoun and take “of” directly.
4. Can “each” and “every” be used with uncountable nouns?
No. Both each and every are used only with singular countable nouns. You cannot say each water or every information. For uncountable nouns, use words like all