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 confuse even advanced English learners because they look plural in meaning but behave like singular words in grammar. Getting them right makes your English sound precise, natural, and confident, so let’s break them down clearly.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each and every are both determiners and pronouns that refer to members of a group one by one. The key difference is focus. Each emphasises individuals as separate, distinct members of a group, often a small or specific group. Every emphasises all members of a group collectively, treating them as a complete set without exception. In short: each = one by one, individually; every = all together, as a whole group.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to more than one thing, each and every are followed by a singular noun and a singular verb: Each boy is ready. Every girl has a book.
- Use “each” for two or more items, especially small or specific groups. Each of my two sisters lives abroad. “Every” is not normally used for only two items.
- Use “every” for three or more items, especially large or general groups. Every country has a flag. It suggests “all without exception.”
- “Each” can be a pronoun on its own; “every” cannot. Each of them was invited. (correct) — Every of them was invited. (incorrect). Use every one of them instead.
- Both are followed by singular possessive pronouns in formal writing. Each student raised his or her hand. In everyday English, many speakers use their: Each student raised their hand.
- “Every” combines with time and frequency words; “each” does not. Every day, every week, every two hours are natural. “Each day” is possible but less common for routines.
- “Each” pairs well with “of” + plural noun or pronoun; “every” does not take “of” directly. Each of the players (correct) — Every of the players (incorrect). Say every one of the players.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these simple steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose.
- Ask yourself: am I focusing on individuals or the whole group? If you see members separately, choose each. If you mean “all, without exception,” choose every.
- Check the group size. Two items? Use each. Three or more, especially a large or general group? Every usually fits better.
- Decide the sentence position. Both can go before a singular noun (each child, every child). Only each can stand alone as a pronoun (Each was delicious).
- Match the verb. Always use a singular verb: Each of the answers is correct. Every answer is correct.
- Handle pronouns carefully. In formal writing, use singular pronouns (his or her). In casual speech, their is widely accepted.
- Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds like you mean “one at a time,” each works. If it sounds like “all of them, no exceptions,” every is your word.
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the students received a certificate. (individual focus, singular verb)
- Every student in the class passed the exam. (whole group, no exceptions)
- She gave each child a small gift. (one by one)
- He checks his email every morning. (routine, frequency)
- Each answer was carefully written. (separate items)
- Every answer on the test was correct. (all of them)
- I spoke to each of my colleagues individually. (specific, separate people)
- Every country has its own traditions. (general, large group)
- Each of the two brothers has a different personality. (only two items)
- Every seat in the theatre was taken. (complete set)
- The teacher greeted each student by name. (personal, individual attention)
- Every one of the paintings sold quickly. (emphatic “all”)
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
- Using a plural verb.
❌ Each of the boys are here.
✅ Each of the boys is here. - Using “every” with only two items.
❌ Every of my two hands was dirty.
✅ Each of my two hands was dirty. - Using “every of” instead of “every one of.”
❌ Every of the guests arrived early.
✅ Every one of the guests arrived early. - Treating “each” as a plural pronoun.
❌ Each of them were invited.
✅ Each of them was invited. - Mixing up meaning and creating confusion.
❌ Each time I see him, he looks tired, but every of his friends say he sleeps well.
✅ Every time I see him, he looks tired, but each of his friends says he sleeps well.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, one by one, often small or specific groups (including two).
- Every = collective focus, all without exception, usually three or more.
- Both take singular verbs and singular nouns.
- Only each can be a standalone pronoun and can be followed by “of.”
- Every works with time and frequency expressions (every day).
- Formal writing prefers singular pronouns; informal English often uses their.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every. Then check your answers below.
- _____ of the three sisters has a different hobby.
- She visits her grandmother _____ Sunday.
- _____ of my two dogs loves to swim.
- The manager spoke to _____ employee personally.
- _____ one of the tickets was sold out within an hour.
Answers:
- Each (specific small group of three, individual focus)
- Every (routine and frequency)
- Each (only two items)
- Every (all employees, no exception) — Each is also possible if the focus is strictly one by one.
- Every (fixed phrase “every one of”)
Conclusion
Mastering each and every comes down to one simple question: are you highlighting individuals or the whole group? Remember that both take singular verbs, that each loves small and specific groups, and that every speaks for all without exception. Practise a little every day, and these two little words will soon feel completely natural.
FAQ
Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Often, yes, but not always. Each student passed and Every student passed are both correct, though the emphasis differs slightly. However, you cannot use every for only two items, and you cannot say every of the students. When in doubt, ask whether you mean “one by one” (each) or “all, without exception” (every).
Why do “each” and “every” take singular verbs?
Grammatically, each and every function like singular determiners. Even though they refer to multiple people or things, they select members one at a time, so the verb stays singular: Each book is new. Every book is new. This is a fixed rule in standard English.
Is it wrong to say “Each student brought their book”?
Not in modern English. Traditionally, grammarians preferred his or her, but their as a singular pronoun is now widely accepted in both speech and writing. In very formal academic writing, you might still choose his or her to be safe, but their is perfectly natural for most contexts.
Can “every” ever be used with a plural noun?
No. Every is always followed by a singular noun: every child, every day, every opportunity. If you want to use a plural noun, switch to all: All children need love. All days are different. This is one of the clearest differences between every and all.