Each vs Every: The Definitive Grammar Guide for ESL Learners

Introduction

The words each and every look similar and often feel interchangeable, but they carry slightly different meanings and follow different grammar rules. For B1–B2 learners, mixing them up can lead to small but noticeable errors in verb agreement and pronoun choice. This guide will help you use both words with confidence and precision.

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

Each refers to the individual members of a group, one by one. It emphasises separateness and treats people or things as distinct individuals. Every refers to all the members of a group collectively, seen as a whole. It emphasises completeness and treats the group as a single unit. In short: each = one by one; every = all together.

Rules

1. Use “each” with singular countable nouns. It can be used for two or more items: each student, each of the boys.
2. Use “every” with singular countable nouns, but only for three or more items. Never use every for just two things: every student (three or more), not every twin.
3. Both take singular verbs. Each student is here. / Every student is here.
4. “Each of” and “every one of” take a plural noun or pronoun but a singular verb. Each of the students is ready. / Every one of them is ready.
5. Pronoun consistency: in formal writing, follow each and every with singular pronouns (he, she, it, his, her, its). In modern informal English, singular they is widely accepted.
6. “Each” can appear after the subject or at the end of a sentence. The students each have a book. / They cost five dollars each. “Every” cannot do this.
7. Use “each” when you mean “one by one” or “separately”; use “every” when you mean “all” without exception. I spoke to each child. (individually) / I spoke to every child. (all of them)

How to Use It

Follow these steps to choose the right word every time:

1. Ask yourself: am I focusing on individuals or on the whole group? If individuals one by one, use each. If the group as a whole, use every.
2. Check the number. Only two items? Use each. Three or more? Either word works.
3. Make the noun singular. Each book, every book — never each books.
4. Match the verb to the singular noun. Each book is… / Every book is…
5. Keep pronouns consistent. Formal: Each student brought his or her book. Informal: Each student brought their book.

Example: Each of the players has a number on their shirt. (focus on individuals) vs. Every player has a number on their shirt. (focus on the whole team).

Examples in Sentences

• Each of the students received a certificate.
• Every student in the class passed the exam.
• The teacher spoke to each child individually.
• She visits her grandmother every Sunday.
• Each of the two brothers has a different personality.
• Every one of the team members was tired after the match.
• The tickets cost ten euros each.
• Every room in the hotel has a sea view.
• We each brought a dish to the party.
• Each answer is worth two points.
• Every answer on the test was correct.
• I check my email every morning before breakfast.

Common Mistakes

• Plural verb after “each” or “every”:
  ❌ Each of the students are ready.
  ✅ Each of the students is ready.
• Using “every” for two things:
  ❌ Every of my parents works hard.
  ✅ Each of my parents works hard.
• Plural noun directly after “each” or “every”:
  ❌ Each students have a book.
  ✅ Each student has a book.
• Mixing singular and plural pronouns:
  ❌ Every student must bring their own lunch and pay for his drinks.
  ✅ Every student must bring their own lunch and pay for their drinks. (consistent singular they)
• Putting “every” at the end of a sentence:
  ❌ The books cost five dollars every.
  ✅ The books cost five dollars each.

Quick Summary

• Each = individual, one by one; works for two or more.
• Every = collective, all together; works for three or more.
• Both take singular verbs and singular nouns.
• Each of / every one of + plural noun + singular verb.
• Keep pronouns consistent: formal singular, or singular they in modern usage.
• Only each can follow a subject or end a sentence.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with each or every.

1. ______ of the twins has a blue bicycle.
2. ______ student must wear a uniform to school.
3. The apples cost one dollar ______.
4. ______ of the answers was correct.
5. She calls her mother ______ day.

Answers:

1. Each (only two people)
2. Every (the whole group, three or more)
3. each (end position)
4. Each (or Every one of — both correct with singular verb)
5. every (whole group, no exception)

Conclusion

Choosing between each and every comes down to one key question: are you focusing on individuals one by one, or on the group as a whole? Keep the singular verb rule in mind, stay consistent with pronouns, and remember that only each works for two things. With a little practice, these small words will make your English noticeably more precise.

FAQ

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

Not always. They are interchangeable in many sentences, especially with singular nouns and verbs (Each student is here / Every student is here). However, you cannot use every for two items, and only each can appear after a subject or at the end of a sentence. The meaning also shifts slightly: each highlights individuals, while every highlights the whole group.

Is “each of the students are” ever correct?

No. In standard English, each of is followed by a plural noun or pronoun but takes a singular verb: Each of the students is ready. The same rule applies to every one of: Every one of them was invited. You may hear the plural verb in casual speech, but it is considered incorrect in formal writing and exams.

Should I use “his or her” or “their” after “each” and “every”?

Both are acceptable depending on the register. In formal writing, use singular pronouns: Each student must bring his or her notebook. In modern informal and business English, singular they is widely accepted and often preferred: Each student must bring their notebook. The most important thing is consistency — do not mix their and his in the same sentence.

Can “every” be used with plural nouns?

Not directly. Every is followed by a singular noun: every book, every child. However, you can use every with a plural noun when a number or one of comes between them: every two weeks, every one of the books. In the second case, the verb remains singular: Every one of the books is new.