Introduction
Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student” or “every student”? You are not alone. Even advanced English learners often mix up each and every. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they carry subtle but important differences in meaning. Understanding these differences will make your English more precise and natural. In this guide, you will learn the rules, see clear examples, and avoid the most common mistakes.
What Is the Difference Between Each and Every?
Both each and every are quantifiers used to talk about all members of a group. However, they focus on different things:
- Each emphasises the individual members of a group, one by one.
- Every emphasises the group as a whole, or all members together.
Think of it this way: each looks at the parts; every looks at the whole.
Rules
- Use “each” when you are thinking of two or more items. “Each” can be used with groups of two or more. “Every” is usually used with groups of three or more. Example: “She held a gift in each hand” (two hands). Not: “every hand” (sounds unnatural with two).
- Use “every” to express frequency or general statements. For example: “I go to the gym every day.” “Every” works well with time expressions like every morning, every week, every year.
- “Each” can be used alone or before a noun; “every” must be followed by a noun. You can say “Each is different” but not “Every is different.” You must say “Every person is different.”
- “Every” can be used with almost, nearly, or practically. For example: “Almost every student passed the exam.” You cannot say “almost each student.”
- “Each” can be used with “of.” For example: “Each of the students has a book.” “Every” cannot be used this way. You cannot say “every of the students.”
How to Use It
Follow these simple steps to choose the correct word every time:
- Ask yourself: Am I talking about each person/thing separately (one by one) or the group as a whole? If you want to focus on individuals, choose each. If you want to talk about the entire group, choose every.
- Check the number of items. If there are only two, use each. Example: “Each side of the coin has a different design.”
- Look for time expressions. If you are talking about frequency (every day, every week), always use every.
- Consider if you can add “almost” or “nearly.” If yes, use every. Example: “Nearly every house has a garden.”
- Test with “of.” If you want to use “of” after the word, choose each. Example: “Each of the children received a prize.”
Examples in Sentences
- Each student must submit their homework individually.
- Every student in the class passed the test.
- She gave each child a different colouring book.
- I brush my teeth every morning and night.
- Each of the answers is correct.
- Almost every house on the street has a red door.
- He checked each box carefully before shipping.
- We meet every Friday for coffee.
- Each member of the team has a specific role.
- Every time I call, she is busy.
- The teacher spoke to each student individually.
- I have read every book in this series.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: ❌ “Every of the students is here.”
✅ Correct: “Each of the students is here.” - Mistake 2: ❌ “I go to the gym each day.” (While not strictly wrong, it sounds less natural.)
✅ Better: “I go to the gym every day.” - Mistake 3: ❌ “Almost each person agrees.”
✅ Correct: “Almost every person agrees.” - Mistake 4: ❌ “She has a ring on every finger.” (This implies all ten fingers, which may not be intended.)
✅ Better: “She has a ring on each finger.” (Emphasises each individual finger.) - Mistake 5: ❌ “Every side of the story is different.” (If there are only two sides, use each.)
✅ Correct: “Each side of the story is different.”
Quick Summary
- Each = focus on individuals, one by one. Works with groups of two or more. Can be used alone or with “of.”
- Every = focus on the group as a whole. Usually for groups of three or more. Used with time expressions and with “almost/nearly.”
- Key test: Can you say “almost ____”? If yes, use every. Can you say “____ of”? If yes, use each.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every:
- _________ of the flowers in the garden is blooming.
- I take a break _________ two hours.
- _________ child deserves a good education.
- She checked _________ item on the list twice.
- _________ time I visit, the weather is perfect.
Answers:
- Each
- every
- Every
- each
- Every
Conclusion
Now you know the key difference between each and every. Remember: each highlights the individual, while every highlights the whole group. Practice using them in your daily conversations and writing, and soon it will feel natural. For more grammar tips, explore our other guides at EnglishGrammarZone.com.
FAQ
1. Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Sometimes, but not always. In many general statements, such as “Each/Every student must bring a pencil,” both are acceptable. However, when you want to emphasise individuals or when referring to groups of two, use each. For frequency or with “almost,” use every.
2. Is “every” always followed by a singular noun?
Yes. Every is always followed by a singular countable noun (e.g., every day, every person). It takes a singular verb: “Every student is here.” Do not use “every” with plural nouns (e.g., “every students” is wrong).
3. Can I say “each one” or “every one”?
Yes. “Each one” is common and emphasises individuals: “Each one of you is special.” “Every one” is also correct but means “all of them” as a group: “Every one of the tickets was sold.” Be careful: “everyone” (one word) means “all people,” while “every one” (two words) means “each individual item or person.”
4. Why can’t I say “every of”?
Because every is a determiner that must be followed directly by a noun. It cannot be followed by “of.” Each, on the other hand, can be a pronoun or a determiner, so “each of” is correct. For example: “Each of the cars is new” is correct. “Every of the cars is new” is incorrect.