Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “Each student has a book” or “Every student have a book”? You are not alone. The words each and every look similar and often feel interchangeable, but they carry slightly different meanings and follow strict grammar rules. Getting them right will make your everyday English sound more precise and natural.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Both each and every refer to all the members of a group, but they focus on them differently. Each emphasises the individual members of a group, one by one. Every emphasises the group as a whole, treating all members together as a complete set. Think of it this way: “each” zooms in on one person or thing at a time, while “every” zooms out to see the entire collection.
For example, “Each child received a gift” suggests we are picturing the children one at a time. “Every child received a gift” suggests we are thinking of all the children together as a group. The meaning is close, but the focus is different.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Use “each” for two or more items; use “every” for three or more. You can say “each of my two hands,” but “every” normally needs at least three items. “Every of my two hands” is incorrect.
- Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to many things, “each” and “every” are grammatically singular. Say “Each student is here” and “Every student is here,” never “are.”
- Use singular pronouns with “each” and “every.” Traditionally, we use “he,” “she,” “it,” “his,” “her,” or “its.” In modern English, “they” and “their” are also widely accepted for unknown or mixed groups.
- “Each” can stand alone; “every” cannot. You can say “Each was delicious,” but you cannot say “Every was delicious.” “Every” must be followed by a noun.
- “Each of” takes a plural noun but a singular verb. Say “Each of the boys is ready,” not “are ready.”
- “Every” combines with time and frequency words. We say “every day,” “every week,” “every morning.” “Each day” is also correct but sounds more specific and individual.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to choose the right word and verb form every time.
- Ask yourself: am I focusing on individuals or the whole group? If you see them one by one, use “each.” If you see them as a complete set, use “every.”
- Check the number of items. If there are only two, use “each.” If there are three or more, either word can work.
- Choose the correct verb. Both words take a singular verb: “is,” “was,” “has,” “does.”
- Choose the correct pronoun. Use “his,” “her,” or “its” in formal writing, or “their” in everyday modern English for mixed or unknown groups.
- Decide if the word stands alone. If you want to use the word without a noun after it, choose “each.”
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the players has a water bottle.
- Every player has a water bottle.
- Each student was given a certificate.
- Every student was given a certificate.
- She visits her grandmother every Sunday.
- Each of my sisters loves chocolate.
- Every house on the street looks the same.
- Each child chose his or her favourite book.
- Every employee must bring their ID card.
- I bought four shirts, and each was on sale.
- Every morning, he drinks a cup of coffee.
- Each of the answers is correct.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
Common Mistakes
Here are five errors ESL learners often make with “each” and “every.”
- Using a plural verb.
❌ Every student are ready.
✅ Every student is ready. - Using “every” alone without a noun.
❌ I tried the cakes, and every was delicious.
✅ I tried the cakes, and each was delicious. - Using “every” with only two items.
❌ She wore rings on every of her two hands.
✅ She wore rings on each of her two hands. - Mixing singular and plural pronouns incorrectly.
❌ Each of the boys brought their own lunch. (acceptable in casual speech, but inconsistent in formal writing)
✅ Each of the boys brought his own lunch. (formal) - Forgetting the singular verb after “each of.”
❌ Each of the girls are singing.
✅ Each of the girls is singing.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, one by one. Works with two or more items.
- Every = collective focus, the whole group. Needs three or more items.
- Both take singular verbs: is, was, has, does.
- Use singular pronouns, or “their” in modern informal English.
- Each can stand alone; every needs a noun after it.
- “Each of” + plural noun + singular verb.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with “each,” “every,” or the correct verb form.
- _______ of the students _______ (have) a notebook.
- She checks her email _______ hour.
- _______ child in the class _______ (be) excited about the trip.
- I have two brothers, and _______ _______ (live) in London.
- _______ of the apples _______ (taste) sweet.
Answers:
- Each / has
- every
- Every / is
- each / lives
- Each / tastes
Conclusion
Mastering “each” and “every” is a small step that makes a big difference in your English. Remember: “each” highlights individuals, “every” highlights the group, and both take singular verbs. With a little practice, you will use them correctly and confidently in everyday conversation and writing.
FAQ
Can “each” and “every” be used interchangeably?
In many sentences, yes, the meaning is very similar. However, “each” focuses on individuals and works with two or more items, while “every” focuses on the group and needs three or more items. Also, “each” can stand alone, but “every” cannot.
Is it “each of them is” or “each of them are”?
The correct form is “each of them is.” Even though “them” is plural, “each” is grammatically singular, so it takes a singular verb.
Can I use “they” or “their” with “each” and “every”?
Yes, in modern English, “they” and “their” are widely accepted when the gender is unknown or mixed. For example, “Every student must bring their book” is now common and acceptable, especially in everyday speech and many style guides.
Why can’t I say “every of the students”?
Because “every” cannot be followed by “of.” It must come directly before a noun, like “every student.” If you want to use “of,” choose “each”: “each of the students.”
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