Each vs Every: The Definitive Grammar Guide for ESL

Introduction

Do you ever stop mid-sentence because you are not sure whether to say “each student is” or “each student are”? You are not alone. The words each and every look similar and often appear in the same contexts, but they carry slightly different meanings and follow specific grammar rules. Understanding the difference will make your English sound more precise and natural, whether you are writing an email, giving a presentation, or chatting with friends.

What Is the Difference Between Each and Every?

Each and every are both distributive words. This 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 members of a group separately. It is used when you think of the group as two or more distinct items, and you want to highlight that individuality.

Every emphasises all the members of a group collectively. It is used when you think of the group as a whole, without exception. It suggests “all of them, one by one, as a complete set.”

In short: each = one by one, individually. Every = all together, as a complete group.

Rules for Using Each and Every

Each is used for two or more items; every is used for three or more. You can say “each of my two brothers,” but you cannot say “every of my two brothers.” Every requires at least three items.
Each can be a pronoun or a determiner; every is only a determiner. You can say “Each of the students passed” (each is a pronoun). You cannot say “Every of the students passed.” You must say “Every student passed.”
Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to multiple things, each and every are followed by singular verbs. “Each student is here.” “Every child loves ice cream.”
Both take singular possessive adjectives. “Each student must bring his or her book.” “Every employee should check his or her email.” In modern English, “their” is also widely accepted as a gender-neutral alternative.
Each can be followed by “of” + plural noun; every cannot. “Each of the cars” is correct. “Every of the cars” is incorrect. With every, you say “every car.”
Every can be used with adverbs like “almost,” “nearly,” and “practically.” “Almost every student passed.” You cannot say “Almost each student passed.”
Each can refer to two items; every cannot. “Each hand has five fingers” (two hands). “Every hand has five fingers” is also correct, but implies a larger, more general group.

How to Use Each and Every: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to choose the correct word every time.

Ask yourself: Am I thinking of the items individually or as a whole? If you want to stress individuality, use each. If you want to stress the complete group without exception, use every.
Check the number of items. If there are exactly two, use each. If there are three or more, you can use either, depending on meaning.
Decide if you need “of.” If you want to say “each of + plural noun,” use each. If you want to say “every + singular noun,” use every.
Make the verb singular. After each or every + singular noun, use a singular verb. After each of + plural noun, also use a singular verb.
Check your possessive. Use singular possessive adjectives (his, her, its) or the gender-neutral “their” if appropriate.

Examples in Sentences

Each student received a certificate. (Individual focus, two or more students)
Every student received a certificate. (Collective focus, all students without exception)
I gave each of my two sisters a gift. (Exactly two sisters)
Every child in the class passed the exam. (A larger group, all of them)
Each of the cars has a different colour. (Individual cars, “each of” + plural noun)
Every car in the parking lot was red. (All cars as a group, “every” + singular noun)
Each player wears a numbered jersey. (Singular verb with each)
Every player wears a numbered jersey. (Singular verb with every)
Almost every house on the street has a garden. (With “almost,” use every)
Each of the books is signed by the author. (Singular verb after “each of”)
Every employee must submit his or her report by Friday. (Singular possessive)
Each member of the team has a specific role. (Individual roles within a team)
Every member of the team has a specific role. (All members, no exceptions)
She checked each answer carefully. (One by one)
He checked every answer carefully. (All answers as a complete set)

Common Mistakes with Each and Every

❌ Wrong: Each of the students are here.
✅ Correct: Each of the students is here.
Explanation: “Each” is singular, so the verb must be singular, even when followed by “of + plural noun.”
❌ Wrong: Every of the children was happy.
✅ Correct: Every one of the children was happy. OR Every child was happy.
Explanation: “Every” cannot be followed directly by “of.” Use “every one of” or restructure the sentence.
❌ Wrong: Each of my two brothers are doctors.
✅ Correct: Each of my two brothers is a doctor.
Explanation: “Each” takes a singular verb, even when referring to two people.
❌ Wrong: Almost each student passed the test.
✅ Correct: Almost every student passed the test.
Explanation: Adverbs like “almost,” “nearly,” and “practically” are used with “every,” not “each.”
❌ Wrong: Every students have a book.
✅ Correct: Every student has a book.
Explanation: “Every” is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.

Quick Summary

Each = individual focus, one by one, can be used for two items.
Every = collective focus, all without exception, used for three or more items.
Both take singular verbs and singular possessive adjectives.
Each of + plural noun is correct; every of is never correct.
Use almost/nearly/practically with every, not each.
Choose each to highlight individuality; choose every to highlight completeness.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with each or every. Then check your answers below.

_______ of the two candidates gave a speech.
_______ student in the school must wear a uniform.
She visits her grandmother _______ Sunday.
_______ of the rooms has a private bathroom.
Almost _______ person in the audience clapped.

Answers:

Each (two candidates, individual focus)
Every (all students, collective focus)
Every (repeated action, all Sundays without exception)
Each (individual rooms, “each of” + plural noun)
Every (with “almost,” use every)

Conclusion

Mastering each and every is about understanding whether you want to highlight individuality or completeness. Remember that both take singular verbs, but only each can be followed by “of” and used for two items. With a little practice, you will choose the right word naturally and make your English more precise and confident.

FAQ

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

Not always. While they are similar, each emphasises individuality and can be used for two items, while every emphasises the group as a whole and requires three or more items. In many sentences, both are grammatically correct, but the meaning shifts slightly. For example, “Each student received a prize” suggests you are thinking of students one by one. “Every student received a prize” suggests all students, without exception, received a prize.

Why do “each” and “every” take singular verbs?

Even though each and every refer to multiple items, they are grammatically singular because they focus on one item at a time. When you say “Each student is here,” you are mentally processing one student, then the next, then the next. The verb agrees with the singular concept, not the plural group. This is why we say “Each of the students is here,” not “are here.”

Is it ever correct to say “every of”?

No, “every of” is never correct in standard English. You can say “every one of” instead. For example, “Every one of the students passed” is correct. Alternatively, you can restructure the sentence: “Every student passed.” Remember that every is a determiner that must be followed directly by a singular noun, not by “of.”

Can I use “their” with “each” and “every”?

Yes, in modern English, “their” is widely accepted as a gender-neutral singular possessive pronoun. So you can say “Each student must bring their book” or “Every employee should check their email.” This avoids the awkward “his or her” construction and is now considered standard in most contexts, especially in informal and business writing. However, in very formal academic writing, some style guides still prefer “his or her.”