Introduction
Do you ever stop mid-sentence, wondering whether to write “each student is” or “each student are“? You are not alone. The words each and every confuse many English learners because they look similar and often seem interchangeable. However, they carry slightly different meanings, and knowing when to use one instead of the other will make your English sound more precise and natural.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Both each and every are determiners that refer to members of a group one by one. The key difference lies in perspective. Each emphasises the individual members of a group separately, while every emphasises all the members of a group collectively, as a whole. Think of it this way: “each” zooms in on one person or thing at a time, and “every” zooms out to show the complete group.
Both words are followed by a singular noun and take a singular verb. This is one of the most important rules to remember, and we will explore it in detail below.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Use a singular noun after both words. We say “each child” and “every child,” never “each children” or “every children.”
- Use a singular verb. Both words take singular verbs: “Each book is expensive” and “Every book is expensive.”
- Use “each” for two or more items; use “every” for three or more. You can say “each of my two hands,” but “every” normally requires at least three items.
- Use “each” when you think of members individually. “Each student received a certificate” suggests you are picturing them one at a time.
- Use “every” when you think of the group as a whole. “Every student passed the exam” focuses on the entire group’s result.
- “Each” can be a pronoun; “every” cannot. You can say “Each of them was tired,” but you cannot say “Every of them was tired.”
- Use “each” with “of” phrases; use “every” with time expressions. We say “each of the boys” but “every day,” “every week,” and “every year.”
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to choose the right word every time.
- Identify the group. Ask yourself: how many people or things am I talking about? If there are exactly two, use “each.” If there are three or more, you can use either word.
- Decide on your focus. Do you want to highlight individual members one by one? Use “each.” Do you want to talk about the whole group together? Use “every.”
- Check the noun. Make sure the noun after the word is singular. For example: “each employee,” “every employee.”
- Check the verb. Make sure the verb is singular. For example: “Each employee has a desk” and “Every employee has a desk.”
- Check the pronoun. In formal writing, use singular pronouns: “Each student should bring his or her book.” In everyday speech, many people use “their,” which is increasingly accepted.
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the players was given a new jersey.
- Every player was given a new jersey.
- She spoke to each guest personally before dinner.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- Each of my two sisters lives in a different city.
- Every child in the class received a sticker.
- The teacher checked each answer carefully.
- Every morning, he drinks a cup of coffee.
- Each student has a different learning style.
- We visit our grandparents every summer.
- Each of the apples was ripe and juicy.
- Every member of the team contributed to the project.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
Even intermediate learners make these errors. Check your writing against this list.
- Using a plural verb.
❌ Each of the students are here.
✅ Each of the students is here. - Using a plural noun directly after the word.
❌ Every books on the shelf is new.
✅ Every book on the shelf is new. - Using “every” with only two items.
❌ She wore a ring on every hand. (She has two hands.)
✅ She wore a ring on each hand. - Using “every of.”
❌ Every of the boys was present.
✅ Each of the boys was present. / Every boy was present. - Mixing up “each” and “every” with time expressions.
❌ I go to the gym each day at 7 a.m. (possible but less natural)
✅ I go to the gym every day at 7 a.m.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus; Every = collective focus.
- Both take a singular noun and a singular verb.
- Use each for two or more items; use every for three or more.
- Each can be a pronoun (“Each of them…”); every cannot.
- Use every with time expressions like “every day” and “every week.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each or every. Then check your answers below.
- _______ student in the class passed the test.
- She gave a gift to _______ of her two best friends.
- He checks his email _______ hour.
- _______ of the houses on the street has a garden.
- I have read _______ book on that shelf.
Answers:
- Every (or Each — both are correct; “every” emphasises the whole group)
- each (only two friends)
- every (time expression)
- Each (used as a pronoun with “of”)
- every (or Each — both are correct)
Conclusion
Mastering “each” and “every” is a small step that makes a big difference in your English. Remember that “each” highlights individuals and “every” highlights the group, but both always take singular nouns and verbs. With regular practice, choosing the right word will become second nature.
FAQ
Can “each” and “every” be used interchangeably?
In many sentences, yes. For example, “Each student passed” and “Every student passed” are both correct and mean almost the same thing. However, “each” emphasises individual members, while “every” emphasises the group as a whole. There are also situations where only one is correct, such as using “each” with two items or “every” with time expressions.
Is it “each of them is” or “each of them are”?
The grammatically correct form is “each of them is.” Even though “them” is plural, “each” is singular, so it takes a singular verb. In informal speech, you may hear “each of them are,” but this is considered incorrect in standard English.
Why can’t I say “every of the students”?
“Every” is a determiner that must be followed directly by a singular noun. It cannot be followed by “of.” If you want to use “of,” you must use “each”: “each of the students.” Alternatively, you can say “every student” without “of.”
Can I use “their” with “each” and “every”?
Traditionally, singular pronouns like “his or her” were required: “Each student should bring his or her book.” However, modern English increasingly accepts “their” as a gender-neutral singular pronoun: “Each student should bring their book.” This is now widely accepted in both informal and formal contexts, though some style guides still prefer “his or her” in very formal writing.