Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student” or “every student”? You are not alone! These two little words cause big headaches for English learners around the world. Understanding when to use each and when to use every will make your English sound more natural and precise.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Both each and every are quantifiers that refer to all members of a group. However, they focus on different perspectives. Each emphasises individual members one by one, treating them as separate and distinct. Every emphasises the whole group collectively, treating all members as a complete unit without exception.
Think of it this way: each puts a spotlight on one person or thing at a time, while every shines a light on the entire group at once. This subtle difference affects grammar, meaning, and how natural your English sounds.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Each + singular noun: Use “each” with singular countable nouns. Example: Each book on the shelf belongs to me.
- Every + singular noun: Use “every” with singular countable nouns. Example: Every student passed the exam.
- Each can stand alone as a pronoun: “Each” can be used without a noun when the group is already clear. Example: I bought five apples, and each was delicious. “Every” cannot do this.
- Every cannot stand alone: You must always follow “every” with a noun. You cannot say “every was delicious.”
- Each is used for two or more items: You can use “each” when talking about exactly two things. Example: Each of my hands has five fingers. “Every” requires three or more items.
- Every suggests “all without exception”: Use “every” when you want to emphasise that there are no exceptions. Example: Every employee must attend the meeting.
- Each can follow a plural subject: When “each” follows a plural subject, it does not change the verb form. Example: The students each have a laptop.
- Every works with adverbs of frequency: “Every” combines naturally with time expressions. Example: She calls her mother every Sunday.
- Both take singular verbs: When used as determiners before a noun, both “each” and “every” take singular verbs. Example: Each child plays outside. Every child plays outside.
- Each of + plural noun/pronoun: Use “each of” followed by a plural noun or pronoun, but keep the verb singular. Example: Each of the boys is ready.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to choose the right word every time:
- Ask yourself: Am I thinking about members individually or as a whole group? If you see them one by one, choose “each.” If you see them as a complete unit, choose “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 your focus.
- Decide if you need a pronoun. If you want to use the word alone without a noun, choose “each.” Remember, “every” always needs a noun after it.
- Match the verb. Both words take singular verbs when they act as determiners. Say “Each student is here,” not “Each student are here.”
- Consider the tone. “Each” sounds more precise and individual. “Every” sounds more general and inclusive. Choose based on what you want to emphasise.
Examples in Sentences
- Each member of the team received a certificate.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- I spoke to each of the applicants personally.
- She visits her grandmother every weekend.
- Each of the twins has a different personality.
- Every country has its own traditions.
- The teacher gave each student individual feedback.
- Every mistake is a chance to learn.
- They each contributed to the project.
- Every morning, he drinks a cup of coffee.
- Each answer was carefully checked.
- We each have our own strengths and weaknesses.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
Here are five errors that ESL learners often make. Check if you recognise any of them!
- Mistake 1: Using a plural verb with “each” or “every.”
❌ Each student are responsible for their homework.
✅ Each student is responsible for their homework. - Mistake 2: Using “every” as a standalone pronoun.
❌ I have three sisters, and every lives in London.
✅ I have three sisters, and each lives in London. - Mistake 3: Using “every” for exactly two items.
❌ Every of my parents is a teacher.
✅ Each of my parents is a teacher. - Mistake 4: Forgetting “of” after “each” before a pronoun.
❌ Each them received a gift.
✅ Each of them received a gift. - Mistake 5: Using “each” with an uncountable noun.
❌ Each information was useful.
✅ Every piece of information was useful. (or All the information was useful.)
Quick Summary
- Each focuses on individual members one by one.
- Every focuses on the whole group collectively.
- Both take singular verbs when used as determiners.
- Each can stand alone as a pronoun; every cannot.
- Use each for two or more items; use every for three or more.
- Each of + plural noun/pronoun takes a singular verb.
- Every pairs naturally with time expressions like “every day” or “every week.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with either each or every. Choose the most natural option.
- _______ of the two candidates gave a strong speech.
- She checks her email _______ hour.
- I gave _______ child a balloon.
- _______ of us has a role to play in this project.
- He travels to Paris _______ month for work.
Answers:
- Each (referring to exactly two candidates)
- every (time expression, no exception)
- Each or every (both possible; “each” emphasises individuals, “every” emphasises the whole group)
- Each (followed by “of” and a pronoun)
- every (regular time expression)
Conclusion
Mastering each and every is a small step that makes a big difference in your English fluency. Remember: each highlights individuals, while every highlights the complete group. With practice and attention, choosing the right word will become second nature.
FAQ
Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Not always. While they sometimes overlap, “each” emphasises individual members and can be used for exactly two items. “Every” emphasises the group as a whole and requires three or more items. In many sentences, both work, but the meaning shifts slightly. For example, “Each student received a prize” suggests you are thinking of students one by one, while “Every student received a prize” suggests you are thinking of the entire class as a group with no exceptions.
Is “each” always followed by a singular verb?
Yes, when “each” acts as a determiner or pronoun, it takes a singular verb. For example, “Each of the books is new” and “Each student has a notebook.” However, when “each” follows a plural subject, the verb agrees with the plural subject. For example, “The students each have a notebook” uses a plural verb because the subject is “students.”
Why can’t I say “every of the students”?
“Every” cannot be followed by “of.” It must come directly before a singular noun. So you say “every student,” not “every of the students.” If you want to use “of,” you need “each of the students” instead. This is a common mistake among ESL learners, so practise the pattern “each of + plural noun” until it feels natural.
Does “every” always mean “all”?
“Every” is very close in meaning to “all,” but there is a difference. “Every” emphasises that you are considering members individually within a group, while still covering the entire group. “All” simply refers to the whole collection without focusing on individuals. For example, “Every child needs love” suggests each individual child needs love, while “All children need love” makes a general statement about children as a category.