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 seem interchangeable — but they carry slightly different meanings, and both follow strict grammar rules that trip up even advanced learners. Getting them right will make your English sound more precise and natural, whether you are writing an email, an essay, or a report.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each and every are both determiners and pronouns that refer to members of a group one at a time. The key difference is focus:
- Each emphasises individuals separately — it means “one by one,” and it works best with smaller, specific groups.
- Every emphasises all members of a group collectively — it means “all of them, without exception,” and it works best with larger, more general groups.
Think of it this way: each zooms in on one person or thing at a time, while every steps back and looks at the whole group as a complete set.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to groups, each and every are grammatically singular: Each player has a locker. / Every player has a locker.
- Use “each” for two or more items; use “every” for three or more. You can say each of my two brothers, but every normally needs at least three: every one of my three brothers.
- “Each” can stand alone as a pronoun; “every” cannot. Correct: Each of the cakes was delicious. Incorrect: Every of the cakes was delicious. (Use every one of instead.)
- “Each” often pairs with “of”; “every” rarely does. We say each of the students, but we usually say every student rather than every of the students.
- “Every” suggests repetition or regularity; “each” does not. Compare: She visits her grandmother every Sunday (a repeated pattern) vs. She visited each grandmother in the village (individual visits, no pattern).
- Pronoun agreement follows the singular form in formal English. Each employee must submit his or her report. In everyday speech, their is increasingly accepted, but exams usually expect singular agreement.
- Word order: both come before a singular noun (each day, every day) or before of + plural noun/pronoun (each of us, every one of them).
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
- Decide what you want to emphasise. Ask yourself: am I highlighting members one by one, or the group as a whole?
- Choose “each” for individual focus. Example: I spoke to each candidate personally. (You spoke to them one at a time.)
- Choose “every” for collective, all-inclusive focus. Example: I spoke to every candidate at the event. (You spoke to all of them; the group matters more than the order.)
- Check the number in the group. Two items? Use each. Three or more? Either word can work, depending on meaning.
- Make the verb singular. This is non-negotiable in standard English: Each book is numbered. Every book is numbered.
- Match pronouns carefully. In formal writing, use singular pronouns: Each guest received his or her key.
- Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds like you are counting items one by one, each fits. If it sounds like a sweeping statement about all members, every fits.
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the twins has a different personality.
- Every student in the school must wear a uniform.
- The teacher gave each child a sticker.
- She checks her email every morning before breakfast.
- Each of us was given a map and a compass.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- I visit my parents every summer.
- Each answer was carefully reviewed by the examiner.
- Every member of the team contributed to the project.
- He planted each seed by hand.
- Every time I call her, she is busy.
- Each of the paintings is worth thousands of dollars.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
- Using a plural verb.
❌ Each of the boys are here.
✅ Each of the boys is here. - Using “every” as a standalone pronoun.
❌ Every of the cakes was eaten.
✅ Every one of the cakes was eaten. (or Each of the cakes was eaten.) - Using “each” for a repeated habit.
❌ I go to the gym each Monday. (unnatural)
✅ I go to the gym every Monday. - Mixing singular and plural pronouns carelessly.
❌ Each employee must bring their ID. (informal; often marked wrong in exams)
✅ Each employee must bring his or her ID. - Using “every” with only two items.
❌ She wore a ring on every hand. (only two hands)
✅ She wore a ring on each hand.
Quick Summary
- Each = one by one, individual focus; works with two or more items.
- Every = all together, collective focus; works with three or more items.
- Both take singular verbs: each is, every is.
- Each can be a pronoun (each of us); every cannot — use every one of.
- Use every for habits and repeated actions; use each for individual attention.
- In formal writing, keep pronouns singular: his or her.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every. Pay attention to the meaning and the verb form.
- ______ of the two sisters has a different hobby.
- She brushes her teeth ______ night before bed.
- ______ student in the class received a certificate.
- I interviewed ______ of the candidates separately.
- ______ of the rooms has its own bathroom.
Answers:
- Each (two sisters — individual focus)
- every (repeated habit)
- Every (large group, collective statement)
- each (individual, one-by-one interviews)
- Each (pronoun use with “of”; “Every of” is incorrect)
Conclusion
Mastering each and every is really about understanding focus: each highlights individuals one at a time, while every gathers them into a single, complete group. Remember the golden rule — both take singular verbs — and you will avoid the most common ESL error instantly. Practise with the exercises above, and soon the choice will feel completely natural.
FAQ
Can “each” and “every” be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, yes — sentences like Each student passed and Every student passed are both correct and mean almost the same thing. However, they are not always interchangeable. Each stresses individuality, so it suits small, specific groups and situations where members are treated separately. Every stresses the group as a whole and is preferred for general statements, habits, and larger groups. Also, every cannot be used as a standalone pronoun, and it normally requires three or more items, while each works with just two.
Why do “each” and “every” take singular verbs?
Even though they refer to multiple people or things, grammatically they point to one member at a time. The verb therefore agrees with that single, individual member, not the whole group. That is why we say Each of the players is ready and Every house on the street has a garden. This rule never changes, regardless of how many items follow of.
Is it wrong to say “each and every”?
Not at all — each and every is a common fixed expression used for emphasis. It combines both ideas: individual attention plus complete inclusion. For example, Each and every employee must attend the meeting means absolutely everyone, without exception. Just remember that the phrase still takes a singular verb and singular pronouns in formal writing: Each and every member has his or her own locker.
What pronoun should I use after “each” or “every”?
In formal English and most exams, use singular pronouns: his or her, him or her, its. For example, Every driver must fasten his or her seatbelt. In everyday modern English, many speakers use the singular they: Every driver must fasten their seatbelt. This is widely accepted in casual contexts, but if you are writing for school, a test, or a formal document, the singular form is the safer choice.