Each vs Every: Master Individual vs Collective Reference

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write “each student is” or “each student are”? You are not alone. The difference between each and every looks tiny, but it affects verb agreement, pronoun choice, and the meaning of your sentence. Getting these two words right will make your English sound more precise and more natural.

What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?

Each refers to members of a group as individuals, one by one. Every refers to members of a group as a whole, without exception. Both words are followed by a singular noun and normally take a singular verb, but they are not interchangeable in meaning or in certain grammatical structures.

In short: each = individual focus; every = collective, all-inclusive focus.

Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”

1. Use a singular noun after both words. Say “each book” and “every book,” never “each books.”
2. Use a singular verb in standard grammar. “Each student is ready” and “Every student is ready.” This is the safest choice in exams and formal writing.
3. Use “each” for two items; use “every” for three or more. “Each of my two hands” is correct, but “every of my two hands” is not.
4. Use “each” when you think of members separately; use “every” when you think of the group as a whole. Compare: “Each child received a different gift” (individual) vs “Every child received a gift” (all of them).
5. Pronoun matching: Traditionally, both take singular pronouns (he, she, it, his, her, its). In modern, natural English, a plural pronoun is often used after “each” when the group is mixed: “Each student must bring their laptop.” This is widely accepted, though formal exams may still expect singular agreement.
6. Word order for “each”: “Each” can follow a plural subject: “The students each received a certificate.” “Every” cannot do this.
7. Use “every” with time expressions: “every day,” “every week,” “every two hours.” “Each” is possible but less common here and sounds more specific.
8. Do not use “every” with “of” + pronoun/determiner. Say “each of them,” not “every of them.” Use “every one of them” instead.

How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step

Step 1: Decide your focus. Are you emphasising members one by one (each) or the whole group without exception (every)?

Step 2: Check the number. Two items? Use each. Three or more? Either word works, depending on meaning.

Step 3: Choose a singular noun. “Each employee,” “every employee.”

Step 4: Match the verb. Use a singular verb: “Each employee has a badge.” “Every employee has a badge.”

Step 5: Choose your pronoun. Formal writing: singular (“his or her”). Natural modern English: “their” is fine, especially after “each.”

Step 6: Check the structure. If you need “of + plural,” use “each of the students” or “every one of the students.” Never “every of the students.”

Examples in Sentences

• Each member of the team has a specific role. (individual focus, singular verb)
• Every member of the team works from home on Fridays. (collective, no exceptions)
• The teacher spoke to each student individually. (one by one)
• Every seat in the hall was taken. (the whole group)
• Each of the two candidates gave a short speech. (two items)
• Every one of the applicants must submit a form. (note: “every one of,” not “every of”)
• The players each received a medal. (“each” after a plural subject)
• She visits her grandmother every Sunday. (time expression)
• Each answer is worth two points. (singular verb)
• Every question on the test was difficult. (whole group)
• Each student must bring their own dictionary. (modern pronoun use)
• Every country has its own traditions. (collective, singular pronoun)

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Plural noun after each/every.
❌ Each students have a book.
✅ Each student has a book.

Mistake 2: Plural verb in formal writing.
❌ Every employee are invited.
✅ Every employee is invited.

Mistake 3: “Every of” instead of “every one of.”
❌ Every of the rooms was clean.
✅ Every one of the rooms was clean. (or: Each of the rooms was clean.)

Mistake 4: Using “every” for two items.
❌ Every of my two brothers lives abroad.
✅ Each of my two brothers lives abroad.

Mistake 5: Wrong word order with “each.”
❌ The students received each a certificate.
✅ The students each received a certificate.

Quick Summary

• Each = individual, one by one; every = collective, all without exception.
• Both take a singular noun and, in standard grammar, a singular verb.
• Use each for two items; every needs three or more.
• Use each of / every one of — never “every of.”
• Each can follow a plural subject (“They each agreed”); every cannot.
• Pronouns: singular in formal writing; “their” is acceptable in modern usage after “each.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with each or every.

1. _____ of my two sisters lives in Canada.
2. _____ student in the class passed the exam.
3. She checks her email _____ morning.
4. The employees _____ received a bonus.
5. _____ one of the players was tired after the match.

Answers:

1. Each (two items)
2. Every (or Each — both correct; “every” stresses the whole group)
3. Every (time expression)
4. each (after a plural subject)
5. Every (“every one of”)

Conclusion

Mastering each and every comes down to one question: are you focusing on members individually or on the group as a whole? Keep your nouns and verbs singular, watch your structures (“each of,” “every one of”), and your writing will be both accurate and clear.

FAQ

Can I use a plural verb after “each” or “every”?

In standard grammar, no. Both words take a singular verb: “Each book is new,” “Every book is new.” You may hear plural verbs in casual speech when the meaning is clearly plural, but in exams, business writing, and formal English, always use the singular verb.

Is “Each student must bring their book” grammatically correct?

Yes, in modern English. Traditionally, singular pronouns were required (“his or her”), and some formal exams still expect this. However, “their” as a gender-neutral singular pronoun is now widely accepted by major style guides, especially after “each.”

What is the difference between “each of” and “every one of”?

Both are correct, but “every of” is not. “Each of the students” and “every one of the students” are both fine. Use “each of” when you want an individual focus, and “every one of” when you want to stress all members without exception.

Can “each” and “every” be used with uncountable nouns?

No. Both words need countable, singular nouns: “each item,” “every detail.” For uncountable nouns, use expressions like “all of the water” or “every bit of the information” instead.