Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write “each student is” or “each student are“? You are not alone. The words each and every look similar, sound similar, and often feel interchangeable, yet they carry slightly different meanings and follow strict grammar rules. Getting them right will make your English sound more precise and natural, whether you are writing an email, an essay, or a simple message to a friend.
What Is the Difference Between Each and Every?
Each refers to individual members of a group, one by one, and it works best with smaller, specific groups. Every refers to all members of a group collectively, treating them as a complete set, and it usually describes larger or more general groups. Both words are singular in grammar, which means they take singular verbs, singular pronouns, and singular possessive adjectives. Think of each as a spotlight on one person at a time, and every as a wide camera shot of the whole group.
Rules for Using Each and Every
- Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to more than one thing, “each” and “every” are grammatically singular: Each boy plays football. / Every girl wants a turn.
- Use “each” for two items; use “every” for three or more. We say each of my two hands, but every one of my five fingers.
- Use “each” when you think of members separately. Each employee received a personal bonus. (one by one)
- Use “every” when you think of members as a whole group. Every employee must attend the meeting. (all together)
- “Each” can be a pronoun; “every” cannot. Each of the cakes was delicious. (correct) / Every of the cakes was delicious. (incorrect)
- Use “each” with “of” + plural noun or pronoun. Each of the students, each of us, each of them. “Every” needs a noun directly after it: every student, not every of the students.
- Both can be followed by “one of.” Each one of the players and every one of the players are both correct, but “every one” is more emphatic.
- Pronouns after “each” and “every” are singular. Every child has his or her own book. In modern informal English, “their” is widely accepted, but in formal writing, keep pronouns singular.
How to Use Each and Every Step by Step
Follow these simple steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose.
- 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, depending on meaning.
- Decide whether you are focusing on individuals or the group. If you want to highlight one-by-one attention, choose each. If you want to emphasise the whole set, choose every.
- Check the noun that follows. “Every” must be followed directly by a singular noun (every book). “Each” can stand alone, take “of,” or be followed by a singular noun (each book, each of the books).
- Match the verb to singular. Write is, was, has, or a singular action verb: Each player has a locker.
- Match pronouns and possessives to singular too. Every dog wagged its tail.
Examples in Sentences
- Each student received a certificate at the ceremony.
- Every student in the school received a certificate.
- Each of the twins has a different personality.
- Every house on the street has a red door.
- Each member of the team was praised individually.
- Every member of the team was praised together.
- Each of us needs to bring a notebook.
- Every child deserves a good education.
- Each cookie on the plate was decorated by hand.
- Every cookie on the plate disappeared within minutes.
- Each of the two sisters called me separately.
- Every employee must sign the contract before Friday.
Common Mistakes with Each and Every
Here are five errors ESL learners make most often, with the correct versions.
- Mistake 1: Using a plural verb.
❌ Each of the boys are here.
✅ Each of the boys is here. - Mistake 2: Using “every of.”
❌ Every of the students passed.
✅ Every student passed. / Each of the students passed. - Mistake 3: Using “each” with a plural noun directly.
❌ Each students needs a book.
✅ Each student needs a book. - Mistake 4: Using plural pronouns.
❌ Every girl brought their notebook. (informal, but avoid in formal writing)
✅ Every girl brought her notebook. - Mistake 5: Using “every” for only two items.
❌ Every of my two hands is clean.
✅ Each of my two hands is clean.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual, one by one; often with two items or small groups.
- Every = collective, whole group; three or more items.
- Both are singular: singular verb, singular pronoun, singular possessive.
- “Each” can be a pronoun or take “of”; “every” cannot.
- Use “every” + singular noun directly; use “each of” + plural noun.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every, and make sure the verb agrees correctly.
- ______ of the two brothers has a bicycle.
- ______ child in the class received a sticker.
- ______ of the students was asked to speak.
- ______ apple in the basket looks fresh.
- ______ of us needs to submit the form by Monday.
Answers:
- Each (two items)
- Every (whole group, singular noun)
- Each (followed by “of”)
- Every (whole group, singular noun)
- Each (followed by “of”)
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between each and every is a small grammar win that makes a big difference in your fluency. Remember: “each” focuses on individuals, “every” focuses on the group, and both always take singular verbs and pronouns. Practise the exercises above, and soon choosing the right word will feel completely natural.
FAQ
Can “each” and “every” be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, yes, especially when the meaning is close, as in “Each student passed” and “Every student passed.” However, they are not always interchangeable. Use “each” when you want to emphasise individuals one by one, and “every” when you want to emphasise the group as a whole. Also, “each” works with two items, while “every” needs three or more.
Why do “each” and “every” take singular verbs?
Even though they refer to multiple people or things, “each” and “every” are grammatically singular because they select members one at a time or as a single collective unit. That is why we say “Each boy is ready” and “Every girl has a pen,” not “are” or “have.”
Is it correct to say “each of them are”?
No. “Each of them” is singular, so the verb must be singular: “Each of them is ready.” The plural noun after “of” does not change the verb. This is one of the most common ESL errors, so watch out for it.
Can I use “their” after “every”?
In informal modern English, many native speakers say “Every student brought their book.” However, in formal writing and exams, use singular pronouns: “Every student brought his or her book.” If you want to avoid awkwardness, rephrase: “All the students brought their books.”