Each vs Every: What Is the Difference? (Grammar Guide)

Introduction

Have you ever stopped mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student” or “every student”? You are not alone. Each and every are two of the most commonly confused words in English. Although they often seem interchangeable, they carry subtle but important differences in meaning and usage. Understanding these differences will help you sound more natural and precise in your writing and speaking.

What Is Each vs Every?

Both each and every are determiners that refer to all members of a group. However, the key difference lies in how we view the group:

• Each focuses on the individual members of a group, one by one. It emphasises the separate, distinct items or people.
• Every focuses on the group as a whole or the total collection. It implies “all, without exception.”

Think of it this way: each is about the parts, and every is about the whole.

Rules

1. Use “each” when you are thinking about individual items separately. Example: “Each student received a different certificate.”
2. Use “every” when you are talking about a group in general or making a generalisation. Example: “Every student must follow the school rules.”
3. “Each” can be used with a singular noun and a singular verb. Example: “Each car has its own parking spot.”
4. “Every” is also followed by a singular noun and a singular verb. Example: “Every car has four wheels.”
5. “Each” can be used with of + plural noun/pronoun. Example: “Each of the students has a laptop.” (Note: the verb is still singular.)
6. “Every” cannot be used directly with “of” in the same way. You must say “every one of” (not “every of”). Example: “Every one of the students passed.”
7. “Every” can be used with numbers to indicate frequency or intervals. Example: “I go to the gym every three days.”
8. “Each” can be used as a pronoun (without a following noun). Example: “I gave them two apples each.”

How to Use It

Follow these simple steps to choose the right word:

1. Ask: Am I focusing on individual items or the whole group?
   If you want to highlight each person or thing separately, choose each. If you mean “all together” or “every single one,” choose every.
2. Check if you need to use “of.”
   If your sentence includes “of” before a plural noun (e.g., “of the books”), use each. Example: “Each of the books is interesting.” For every, use “every one of.” Example: “Every one of the books is interesting.”
3. Consider time or frequency expressions.
   Use every for repeated actions or time intervals: “every day,” “every week,” “every two hours.”
4. Think about number of items.
   Each is often used when the group is smaller or more specific. Every works well for larger, more general groups. Compare: “Each team member gave a short speech” (small group, individual focus) vs. “Every team member works hard” (general statement about the whole team).

Examples in Sentences

• Each child received a gift at the party.
• Every child loves ice cream.
• The teacher spoke to each student individually.
• Every student in the class passed the exam.
• I read each chapter carefully.
• Every chapter ends with a summary.
• They gave us each a free ticket.
• Every one of the tickets was sold out.
• She visits her grandmother every weekend.
• We checked each answer before submitting the test.

Common Mistakes

1. ❌ Wrong: Every of the students is present.
   ✅ Correct: Each of the students is present. Or: Every one of the students is present.
2. ❌ Wrong: I go to the gym each three days.
   ✅ Correct: I go to the gym every three days.
3. ❌ Wrong: Each students have a book.
   ✅ Correct: Each student has a book. (Subject-verb agreement: “each” is singular.)
4. ❌ Wrong: Every car have a different colour.
   ✅ Correct: Every car has a different colour. (Subject-verb agreement: “every” is singular.)
5. ❌ Wrong: The two sisters are each very talented, and every of them plays piano.
   ✅ Correct: The two sisters are each very talented, and each of them plays piano. (Use “each” for individuals in a small, specific group.)

Quick Summary

• Each = individual focus, one by one. Can be used with “of” (each of).
• Every = group focus, all together. Cannot be used with “of” directly (use “every one of”).
• Both take singular nouns and singular verbs.
• Use every for time intervals (every day, every two weeks).
• Use each when the group is small or specific, and you want to emphasise the separate members.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with each or every.

1. __________ student in the school must wear a uniform.
2. The coach spoke to __________ player individually after the game.
3. I brush my teeth __________ morning and __________ night.
4. __________ of the paintings was sold at the auction.
5. She gave __________ child a sticker.

Answers:

1. Every
2. each
3. every, every
4. Each
5. each (or every – both are possible here, but “each” emphasises individual gifts)

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between each and every will immediately improve your English accuracy. Remember: each is about the individual parts, and every is about the whole group. Practice with the exercises above, and soon you will choose the right word without thinking twice.

FAQ

1. Can “each” and “every” be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, but not always. In many general statements, they are interchangeable (e.g., “Each/Every student has a pencil”). However, when focusing on individuals, use “each.” For time expressions and generalisations, use “every.”

2. Is it “each of them is” or “each of them are”?
It is “each of them is”. The subject is “each” (singular), not “them.” So the verb must be singular: “Each of them is ready.”

3. Why can’t I say “every of the books”?
Because “every” is a determiner that must be followed directly by a singular noun. To use “of,” you need the phrase “every one of.” So: “Every one of the books is old.”

4. Can “each” and “every” be used with plural nouns?
No. Both are used with singular nouns. However, when you use “each of” + plural noun, the verb remains singular. Example: “Each of the children is happy.”