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 and often feel interchangeable, but 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 and every are both determiners that refer to members of a group one by one. The key difference is focus. Each emphasises individuals as separate, distinct members of a group. Every emphasises all the members together as a complete group, with no exceptions. Think of each as looking at the trees and every as looking at the forest — both describe the same group, but from a different angle.
Both words are followed by a singular countable noun and take a singular verb. This is one of the most important rules to remember, and it is also where many learners slip up.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Use a singular noun after both words. Say “each book” and “every book,” never “each books” or “every books.”
- Use a singular verb. “Each student is ready” and “Every student is ready” are both correct. The verb never becomes plural.
- Use “each” for two or more items; use “every” for three or more. You can say “each of my two hands,” but “every” normally needs a larger group.
- Use “each” when you think of members separately. “Each child received a gift” suggests you are picturing them one at a time.
- Use “every” when you think of the group as a whole. “Every child received a gift” suggests all of them, without exception.
- “Each of” is followed by a plural noun or pronoun, but the verb stays singular. “Each of the students is here.”
- “Every” cannot stand alone as a pronoun. You cannot say “Every is ready.” You must say “Every one is ready” or “Everyone is ready.”
- Both words can be used with “not” for partial negation, but the meaning changes. “Not every student passed” means some passed and some did not. “Not each student passed” is unusual and best avoided.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose.
- Identify the group. Ask yourself: how many members are there? If there are exactly two, use each. If there are three or more, either word may work.
- Decide on your focus. Do you want to stress the individuals one by one? Choose each. Do you want to stress the whole group with no exceptions? Choose every.
- Check the noun. Make sure the noun after the word is singular and countable. “Each idea,” “every idea.”
- Match the verb. Use a singular verb form. “Each player has a locker.” “Every player has a locker.”
- Watch pronouns later in the sentence. Traditional grammar prefers singular pronouns: “Each student must bring his or her book.” In modern informal English, “their” is widely accepted, but in formal writing, keep it singular.
Here is a quick comparison. “Each of the managers was interviewed separately” focuses on individual interviews. “Every manager was interviewed” simply states that all of them were interviewed. Same group, different emphasis.
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the twins has a different personality.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- The teacher gave each student a certificate.
- Every student in the class passed the exam.
- Each of the recipes takes about thirty minutes to prepare.
- Every recipe in this book looks delicious.
- She visits her grandmother each week.
- He checks his email every morning.
- Each of us received a personal invitation.
- Every member of the team contributed to the project.
- Each child was given a balloon.
- Every child in the neighbourhood came to the party.
- I spoke to each of the applicants individually.
- Every applicant must submit two references.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
These are the errors I see most often in ESL writing. Learn them and you will avoid the trap.
- Mistake 1: Using a plural verb.
❌ Each of the boys are here.
✅ Each of the boys is here. - Mistake 2: Using a plural noun directly after the word.
❌ Every students need a book.
✅ Every student needs a book. - Mistake 3: Using “every” for exactly two items.
❌ She wore a ring on every hand.
✅ She wore a ring on each hand. - Mistake 4: Using “every” as a standalone pronoun.
❌ Every was invited.
✅ Everyone was invited. / Every person was invited. - Mistake 5: Mixing singular and plural pronouns awkwardly.
❌ Each student must bring their own laptop. (acceptable informally, but inconsistent in formal writing)
✅ Each student must bring his or her own laptop. (formal)
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, one by one.
- Every = collective focus, all together, no exceptions.
- Both take a singular countable noun.
- Both take a singular verb.
- Use each for two items; use every for three or more.
- “Each of” + plural noun + singular verb.
- “Every” cannot stand alone as a pronoun.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with each or every. Then check your answers below.
- ______ of the two sisters has a different hobby.
- ______ student in the school must wear a uniform.
- The manager spoke to ______ of the employees separately.
- ______ house on the street has a garden.
- I brush my teeth ______ night before bed.
Answers:
- Each (two sisters — individual focus)
- Every (whole group, no exceptions)
- Each (spoken to separately)
- Every (all houses as a group)
- Every (routine, all nights)
Conclusion
Mastering each and every is simpler than it looks: choose each when you want to highlight individuals, and every when you want to highlight the whole group. Always use a singular noun and a singular verb, and you will sound confident and correct in any situation.
FAQ
Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Often yes, but not always. They share the same grammar rules (singular noun, singular verb), but the meaning shifts. “Each” highlights individuals separately, while “every” highlights the group as a whole. In many sentences, the difference is subtle, but in others — especially with exactly two items — only “each” works.
Why does “each” take a singular verb even though it refers to many things?
Because “each” treats the members of the group one at a time. Grammatically, it functions like a singular pronoun or determiner, so the verb must agree with it in the singular form. That is why we say “Each of the students is present,” not “are present.”
Is it wrong to say “Every student must bring their book”?
In formal, traditional grammar, “their” is considered plural and does not agree with the singular “every student.” However, in modern usage — especially in British English and informal writing — “their” is widely accepted as a gender-neutral singular pronoun. For exams and formal writing, use “his or her” or rewrite the sentence to avoid the issue.
Can “every” be used with plural nouns?
No, not directly. “Every” is always followed by a singular countable noun: “every book,” “every child,” “every idea.” If you want to talk about plural groups, use “all” instead: “all books,” “all children,” “all ideas.” Remember: “every” + singular noun, “all” + plural noun.