Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student has” or “each student have“? You are not alone. The words each and every look similar and often feel interchangeable, but they carry slightly different meanings and follow specific grammar rules. Getting them right makes your English sound more precise and natural, whether you are writing an email, taking an exam, or chatting with a colleague.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each refers to members of a group one by one, as individuals. It emphasises separateness and works well with small, specific groups. Every refers to all members of a group as a whole, emphasising completeness. It suggests “without exception” and is common with larger groups. In short: each = individual focus; every = collective focus. Both are singular words, which is where many grammar questions begin.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Both take singular verbs. Even though they refer to groups, “each” and “every” are grammatically singular: Each player is ready. / Every player is ready.
- Use “each” for two items; use “every” for three or more. Each of my two brothers lives abroad. (not “every of my two brothers”).
- “Each” can stand alone as a pronoun; “every” cannot. Each of the cakes was delicious. (correct) — “Every of the cakes” is wrong; say Every one of the cakes.
- Use singular pronouns after both in formal English. Each student must bring his or her notebook. In everyday speech, “their” is widely accepted, but exams often expect singular forms.
- “Every” pairs with time expressions to mean “how often.” every day, every week, every two hours. “Each” can do this too but sounds more individual: each morning.
- Position matters. “Each” can follow a plural subject: They each received a prize. “Every” cannot move like this.
- Both can modify nouns directly. each child / every child — but only “each” works with “of” plus a plural pronoun or noun: each of them, each of the books.
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Step 1: Ask yourself — am I focusing on individuals or the whole group? If you see members separately, choose “each.” If you mean “all, without exception,” choose “every.”
Step 2: Check the group size. Two items? Only “each” works. Three or more? Both work, but “every” sounds more general.
Step 3: Make the verb singular. Each book is… / Every book is… Never use “are” directly after these words as subjects.
Step 4: Choose your pronoun carefully. In formal writing, use his or her or rewrite in the plural. In casual English, their is fine: Every student should check their email.
Step 5: Decide on placement. Before the noun (each day) or after a plural subject (We each paid £10).
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the students has a locker. (singular verb after “each of”)
- Every student has a locker. (singular verb after “every”)
- She visits her grandmother every Sunday. (repeated time, no exception)
- Each answer was checked twice. (individual attention)
- The twins each won a medal. (“each” after a plural subject)
- Every seat in the theatre was taken. (whole group, no exception)
- Each of my two sisters lives in Spain. (only two people → “each”)
- Every one of the cakes tasted amazing. (“every one of,” not “every of”)
- We each brought a dish to the party. (after pronoun subject)
- Each child received his or her own book. (formal singular pronoun)
- Every employee must complete their training by Friday. (accepted modern usage)
- I go to the gym every other day. (frequency pattern)
Common Mistakes
- Plural verb after “each” or “every”:
❌ Each of the boys are here.
✅ Each of the boys is here. - Using “every” with two items:
❌ Every of my two hands was cold.
✅ Each of my two hands was cold. - “Every of” instead of “every one of”:
❌ Every of the rooms was clean.
✅ Every one of the rooms was clean. - Mismatched pronouns:
❌ Each student must bring their book in a formal exam.
✅ Each student must bring his or her book. - Wrong position of “every”:
❌ They every received a gift.
✅ They each received a gift.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus; works with two or more; can be a pronoun.
- Every = collective, “all without exception”; three or more; never a standalone pronoun.
- Both take singular verbs.
- Use each of / every one of before plural nouns or pronouns.
- “Each” can follow plural subjects (They each…); “every” cannot.
- Formal writing prefers his or her; informal English accepts their.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with each or every.
- _____ of the two candidates gave a short speech.
- She checks her messages _____ hour.
- _____ student in the class passed the test.
- We _____ paid £5 for the tickets.
- _____ one of the paintings was sold.
Answers: 1. Each (only two candidates) 2. every (frequency) 3. Every (whole group, no exception) 4. each (after plural subject) 5. Every (“every one of”)
Conclusion
Mastering “each” and “every” comes down to one key question: are you highlighting individuals or the whole group? Keep the verb singular, choose your pronouns carefully, and remember that “each” works for two while “every” needs three or more. With a little practice, these small words will make a big difference in how precise and natural your English sounds.
FAQ
1. Can I use “their” after “each” or “every”?
Yes, in modern everyday English, “their” is widely accepted: Every student should bring their notes. However, in formal exams and academic writing, many style guides still prefer his or her or a plural rewrite: All students should bring their notes.
2. Why is “each of the students are” wrong?
Because “each” is grammatically singular, even when it is followed by a plural noun. The head of the subject is “each,” so the verb must be singular: Each of the students is ready. The same rule applies to “every one of the students is.”
3. What is the difference between “each” and “every” in terms of group size?
“Each” works with groups of two or more and stresses members one by one. “Every” requires three or more and stresses the group as a complete set with no exceptions. That is why we say each of my two parents but not every of my two parents.
4. Can “each” and “every” be used with “of”?
Yes, but differently. “Each of” is correct: each of the books. “Every” cannot be followed directly by “of” — you must add “one”: every one of the books. Remember this simple pattern: each of + plural noun/pronoun, and every one of + plural noun/pronoun.