Each vs Every: The Definitive Grammar Guide for B1–B2 Learners

Introduction

Do you say “each student is ready” or “each student are ready”? And what about “every student”? These two little words look similar, but they behave in slightly different ways. Understanding each vs every helps you speak and write with more precision, especially when you talk about people or things one by one.

What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?

Each and every are both distributive words. That means they focus on the individual members of a group rather than the group as a whole. However, they are not identical. Each emphasises the individual — one person or thing at a time. Every emphasises the whole group, but still refers to all members without exception. Think of it this way: “each” zooms in on one item, while “every” pulls back to show the complete set.

For example, “Each child received a gift” suggests you are thinking about the children one by one. “Every child received a gift” suggests you are thinking about all the children together, with no one left out.

Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”

1. Use “each” for two or more items. You can use “each” when there are exactly two things. “Every” normally needs three or more. For example: “She held a book in each hand” (two hands), but “Every student in the class passed” (more than two).
2. Use “every” for three or more items. “Every” refers to all members of a group of three or more. It cannot be used for just two items.
3. Both take singular verbs. This is a key rule. “Each” and “every” are always followed by a singular noun and a singular verb. Say “Each boy is here” and “Every girl was late,” not “are” or “were.”
4. Both can be used with “of” + plural noun. When you use “each of” or “every one of,” the noun is plural, but the verb stays singular. For example: “Each of the students has a laptop.” “Every one of the cars needs washing.”
5. “Every” cannot stand alone as a pronoun. “Each” can be a pronoun: “Each has a name.” But “every” must be followed by a noun: “Every student has a name,” not “Every has a name.”
6. Use “each” when you mean “one by one.” If you want to stress individual attention or separate actions, choose “each.” Use “every” when you mean “all together, without exception.”

How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to choose the right word and verb form.

1. Ask yourself: how many items are in the group? If there are exactly two, use “each.” If there are three or more, you can use either “each” or “every.”
2. Decide what you want to emphasise. Do you want to highlight the individual? Use “each.” Do you want to highlight the whole group without exception? Use “every.”
3. Check the noun form. If you use “each” or “every” directly before a noun, that noun must be singular. “Each apple,” “every apple” — never “each apples.”
4. Make the verb singular. Whether you use “each” or “every,” the verb that follows is singular. “Every dog barks,” not “bark.”
5. Handle “of” phrases carefully. With “each of” or “every one of,” the noun after “of” is plural, but the verb remains singular. “Each of the boys is here.” “Every one of the boys is here.”
6. Remember the pronoun rule. “Each” can be a pronoun on its own. “Every” cannot. So you can say “Each was happy,” but you must say “Every person was happy.”

Examples in Sentences

• Each student received a certificate.
• Every student in the school received a certificate.
• She wore a ring on each finger.
• Every house on the street has a garden.
• Each of the players was given a medal.
• Every one of the players was given a medal.
• Each child has a different favourite colour.
• Every child needs love and attention.
• I visit my grandmother every Sunday.
• He gave each of his friends a small gift.
• Every seat in the theatre was taken.
• Each of the two brothers has a different personality.
• Every employee must wear a badge.
• She checked each answer carefully before submitting the test.

Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”

Even intermediate learners often make these errors. Check your own writing against this list.

• Mistake 1: Using a plural verb.
  ❌ Each of the students are ready.
  ✅ Each of the students is ready.
• Mistake 2: Using “every” with only two items.
  ❌ She has a bag in every hand.
  ✅ She has a bag in each hand.
• Mistake 3: Using “every” as a pronoun.
  ❌ Every was invited to the party.
  ✅ Everyone was invited to the party. / Every person was invited.
• Mistake 4: Using a plural noun directly after “each” or “every.”
  ❌ Each students passed the exam.
  ✅ Each student passed the exam.
• Mistake 5: Confusing “each” with “all.”
  ❌ Each of the students were talking together.
  ✅ All of the students were talking together. (Use “all” for the group as a whole.)

Quick Summary

• Each = individual focus; works with two or more items; can be a pronoun.
• Every = collective focus; needs three or more items; cannot be a pronoun.
• Both take a singular verb.
• With “each of” or “every one of,” the noun is plural but the verb stays singular.
• Use “each” for “one by one,” and “every” for “all without exception.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with “each,” “every,” or the correct verb form.

1. _______ of the two sisters has a different hobby.
2. _______ student in the class _______ (have) a textbook.
3. She visits her parents _______ weekend.
4. _______ of the boys _______ (be) wearing a blue shirt.
5. He gave a card to _______ of his three friends.

Answers:

1. Each
2. Every / Each; has
3. every
4. Each; is
5. each

Conclusion

Mastering “each” and “every” is a small step that makes a big difference in your English. Remember that “each” highlights individuals, while “every” highlights the whole group — but both always take a singular verb. Practise these rules in your daily writing and speaking, and you will soon use them naturally.

FAQ

Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?

Not always. You can often use either when there are three or more items, but the meaning shifts slightly. “Each” focuses on individuals one by one, while “every” focuses on the group as a whole. With only two items, you must use “each,” not “every.”

Why do “each” and “every” take a singular verb?

Because they refer to members of a group one at a time, not as a plural unit. Even though the group contains many items, the verb agrees with the singular idea of “each one” or “every one.” That is why we say “Each student is here,” not “are.”

Is “every” ever used with plural nouns?

No. “Every” is always followed by a singular noun. However, in phrases like “every one of the students,” the noun after “of” is plural, but the main noun “one” is singular, so the verb stays singular: “Every one of the students is present.”

What is the difference between “each” and “all”?

“Each” separates the members of a group and treats them individually. “All” treats the group as a single unit. For example, “Each student passed” means every single student passed, considered one by one. “All students passed” means the whole group passed together. Also, “all” takes a plural verb, while “each” takes a singular verb.