Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student” or “every student”? You are not alone. This small choice trips up many learners, yet it changes the meaning of your sentence in a subtle but important way. In this guide, we will break down the difference between each and every so you can use both with confidence and sound more natural in English.
What Is the Difference Between Each and Every?
Both each and every are quantifiers that refer to all members of a group, but they focus on different things. Each highlights members one by one, as separate individuals. Every treats the group as a whole, describing all members together without singling anyone out. Think of each as a spotlight on one person at a time, and every as a wide camera shot of the entire group.
Rules
- Both take singular nouns. Use “each” and “every” with a singular countable noun: each book, every child. Never say “each books” or “every students”.
- Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to many things, the verb stays singular: Each player is ready. / Every player is ready.
- “Each” can stand alone as a pronoun; “every” cannot. You can say “Each of them was late” or simply “Each was late.” But “Every of them was late” is wrong.
- Use “each of” before plural pronouns or nouns with a determiner. Each of the students, each of us. The verb is still singular.
- “Every” is used with time expressions to mean “how often”. Every day, every two weeks, every Monday. “Each day” is possible but sounds more individual and deliberate.
- “Each” works well for small, specific groups; “every” suits large or general groups. Each of my three brothers sounds natural. Every person in the city sounds natural.
- “Every” can mean “all possible” or express frequency, while “each” cannot. Every reason (all possible reasons), every ten minutes (frequency). “Each ten minutes” is incorrect.
- Neither is used with uncountable nouns. Do not say “each information” or “every advice”. Use “all the information” or “all the advice” instead.
How to Use It
Follow these steps to choose the right word every time:
- Ask yourself: individual or collective? If you want to stress members one by one, choose each. If you mean the whole group together, choose every.
- Check the noun. Is it a singular countable noun? Then both words can work. Is it plural or uncountable? Then use a different structure.
- Match the verb. Always use a singular verb form: is, was, has, goes.
- Decide if you need a pronoun. If you want to use the word alone, choose each: “Each has a name tag.”
- For “of” phrases, use “each of” or “every one of”. Both are correct: Each of the rooms / Every one of the rooms. Note that “every of” alone is never correct.
Examples in Sentences
- Each student received a certificate. (individual focus)
- Every student received a certificate. (collective focus)
- Each of the cakes was decorated differently.
- Every one of the cakes was delicious.
- Each has its own colour. (used as a pronoun)
- She visits her grandmother every Sunday. (frequency)
- Every child needs love and attention. (general statement)
- Each of us has a role to play. (specific group)
- The teacher spoke to each parent individually.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- Each player shook hands with the captain.
- He checks his email every two hours. (frequency)
Common Mistakes
Here are five errors ESL learners often make, with corrections:
- ❌ Each students have a book.
✅ Each student has a book. (singular noun, singular verb) - ❌ Every of the boys was present.
✅ Every one of the boys was present. (use “every one of”, not “every of”) - ❌ Each of the girls are here.
✅ Each of the girls is here. (the verb agrees with “each”, not “girls”) - ❌ Every students in my class study hard.
✅ Every student in my class studies hard. (singular noun and verb) - ❌ I need each information you have.
✅ I need all the information you have. (“each” cannot be used with uncountable nouns)
Quick Summary
- Each = one by one, individual focus.
- Every = all together, collective focus.
- Both take singular countable nouns and singular verbs.
- Each can be a pronoun; every cannot.
- Use each of or every one of before plural nouns with determiners.
- Every is used for frequency (every day, every week); each is not.
- Never use either with uncountable nouns.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every. Pay attention to the verb form.
- _____ of the students has a locker.
- She calls her mother _____ evening.
- _____ child in the class was given a prize.
- I see him _____ two days.
- _____ of us was asked to speak.
Answers:
- Each (or Every one — but “Each” fits best before “of”)
- every
- Each / Every (both possible; “Each” stresses individuality)
- every
- Each
Conclusion
Choosing between each and every comes down to focus: individual versus collective. Remember that both take singular nouns and singular verbs, and that only each can stand alone as a pronoun. With a little practice, this distinction will become second nature and your English will sound more precise and natural.
FAQ
Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Often, yes — the meaning stays similar, but the emphasis changes. “Each” highlights members individually, while “every” treats them as a group. In many everyday sentences, either works, but in formal writing or when the distinction matters, choose carefully.
Is “every” always followed by a singular verb?
Yes. Even though “every” refers to many things, it always takes a singular verb: Every student is here, not Every student are here. The same rule applies to “each”.
Why is “every of the students” incorrect?
Because “every” cannot be followed directly by “of”. You must add “one”: every one of the students. In contrast, “each of the students” is perfectly correct without any extra word.
Can “each” and “every” be used with uncountable nouns?
No. Both words only work with singular countable nouns. For uncountable nouns like “information”, “advice”, or “water”, use “all” instead: all the information, all the advice.