Introduction
Do you ever stop mid-sentence, unsure whether to say “each student is” or “each student are“? You are not alone. The words each and every look similar and often seem interchangeable, but they carry slightly different meanings and follow specific grammar rules. Understanding this difference will help you write and speak English more naturally and accurately.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each and every are both quantifiers that refer to members of a group. However, they focus on the group in different ways. Each emphasises individual members one by one, treating them separately. Every emphasises all members together as a complete group, without exception.
Think of it this way: each zooms in on one item at a time, while every zooms out to show the whole picture. Both are followed by singular countable nouns, but their meaning and usage differ in important ways.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Both take singular nouns. You say “each student” and “every student,” never “each students” or “every students.”
- Both take singular verbs. “Each child plays” and “Every child plays” are correct. The verb is always singular.
- “Each” can be used for two or more items. You can say “each of my two hands,” but you cannot say “every of my two hands.” “Every” needs three or more items.
- “Every” cannot be followed by “of.” You say “each of the students,” but never “every of the students.” Instead, use “every one of the students.”
- “Each” can stand alone as a pronoun. “I bought four apples, and each was delicious.” “Every” cannot stand alone this way.
- “Every” suggests “all without exception.” “Every seat was taken” means there were no empty seats at all.
- “Each” can appear after a plural subject. “The students each received a certificate.” This is common in formal and informal English.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these steps to choose the right word and use it correctly in your sentences.
- Decide if you mean individually or collectively. If you want to highlight one by one, choose each. If you want to include all members as a whole, choose every.
- Check the number of items. If there are only two, use each. If there are three or more, you can use either, depending on meaning.
- Use a singular noun after the quantifier. Write “each employee” or “every employee,” not the plural form.
- Match the verb to the singular noun. Use “is,” “was,” “has,” or a singular verb form. For example: “Every house has a door.”
- If you need “of,” use “each of” or “every one of.” “Each of the players was ready.” “Every one of the players was ready.”
- Place “each” correctly after a plural subject if needed. “They each brought a gift.” This means every individual in the group brought one.
Examples in Sentences
- Each student received a personalised feedback sheet.
- Every student in the class passed the exam.
- She gave each of her two dogs a bath.
- Every seat in the theatre was occupied.
- The teacher spoke to each child individually.
- Every employee must attend the safety training.
- I have read each book in this series.
- Every book on the shelf was covered in dust.
- The contestants each had three minutes to speak.
- Each of the answers was correct.
- Every one of the answers was correct.
- He visits his grandmother every Sunday.
- Each member of the team contributed something unique.
- Every member of the team contributed something unique.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
Even intermediate learners often make these errors. Check your writing against this list.
- Mistake 1: Using a plural verb.
❌ Each of the students are ready.
✅ Each of the students is ready. - Mistake 2: Using “every of.”
❌ Every of the rooms has a window.
✅ Every one of the rooms has a window. / Each of the rooms has a window. - Mistake 3: Using “every” with only two items.
❌ Every of my parents is a teacher.
✅ Each of my parents is a teacher. - Mistake 4: Using a plural noun after the quantifier.
❌ Each employees must sign the form.
✅ Each employee must sign the form. - Mistake 5: Confusing “each” as a pronoun with “every.”
❌ I have three pens, and every writes smoothly.
✅ I have three pens, and each writes smoothly.
Quick Summary
- Each focuses on individual members one by one.
- Every focuses on the whole group without exception.
- Both take singular nouns and singular verbs.
- Use each for two items; use every for three or more.
- Never say “every of.” Use “every one of” instead.
- Each can act as a pronoun; every cannot.
- Both can follow plural subjects, but “each” is more flexible in this position.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with each or every. Then check your answers below.
- _______ of the two candidates gave a strong speech.
- _______ student in the school must wear a uniform.
- She checked _______ of the doors before leaving.
- _______ one of the employees received a bonus.
- The children _______ received a small gift.
Answers:
- Each (two items)
- Every (whole group, no exception)
- Each (used with “of”)
- Every (fixed phrase “every one of”)
- Each (after plural subject, individual focus)
Conclusion
Mastering each and every helps you express yourself with greater precision in English. Remember that each highlights individuals, while every highlights the complete group. Keep the rules in mind, practise regularly, and soon this distinction will feel completely natural.
FAQ
Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Not always. They are interchangeable in some sentences, especially when the meaning is close, such as “Each student passed” and “Every student passed.” However, they are not interchangeable when you refer to only two items, when you use “of,” or when you need a pronoun. For example, “each of my parents” is correct, but “every of my parents” is not.
Why do “each” and “every” take singular verbs?
Even though they refer to multiple items, each and every grammatically point to one member at a time. The noun that follows is singular, so the verb must also be singular. That is why we say “Each boy is here” and “Every girl has a book.”
What is the difference between “each” and “every” when talking about frequency?
When talking about frequency, every is more common. We say “every day,” “every week,” and “every year.” Using each in these phrases is possible but sounds more formal or emphatic, such as “each day brings new challenges.” In everyday conversation, every is the natural choice for repeated events.
Can “each” come after a plural subject?
Yes. In sentences like “The players each received a medal,” each follows the plural subject and emphasises that every individual received one. This structure is common and correct. Note that the verb remains plural because the subject is plural: “The players each receive a medal.”