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 simple, but they cause real confusion for English learners because they describe many things while grammatically acting like one. Getting them right makes your writing sound precise and professional, and it helps you avoid some of the most common ESL errors in exams and everyday conversation.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each and every are both quantifiers that refer to all the members of a group, one by one. The key difference is focus: each emphasises the members as individuals, seen separately, while every emphasises the members as a whole group, seen together. Both are followed by a singular noun and take a singular verb, which is where many learners slip up.
- Each = one by one, as separate individuals. It works with groups of two or more.
- Every = all together, as a complete group. It normally needs three or more items.
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 because the subject is grammatically singular.
- Use “each” for two or more; use “every” for three or more. You can say “each of my two sisters,” but “every of my two sisters” sounds wrong. Use “every” when the group has at least three members.
- “Each” can stand alone or take “of.” You can say “Each has a ticket” or “Each of the students has a ticket.” “Every” cannot stand alone as a pronoun; it needs a noun: “Every student has a ticket.”
- After “each of” and “every one of,” use a plural noun or pronoun but keep the verb singular. “Each of the players wants to win.” “Every one of them was invited.”
- Use singular pronouns to refer back. Traditionally, “Each child raised his or her hand.” In modern usage, “their” is widely accepted, but the verb stays singular: “Each child raised their hand.”
- Place “each” after a plural subject for a different meaning. “The students each received a certificate” means every individual student got one, and here the verb agrees with the plural subject “students.”
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose:
- Ask how many items are in the group. Two items? Use “each.” Three or more? You can use either, depending on your focus.
- Decide on your focus. Want to highlight members one by one? Choose “each.” Want to talk about the group as a whole? Choose “every.”
- Check the noun. Make sure it is singular: “each lesson,” “every lesson.”
- Check the verb. Keep it singular: “Each lesson takes 45 minutes.” “Every lesson takes 45 minutes.”
- Check any pronouns. Use “his or her” or the accepted singular “their,” but never a plural verb.
For example, if you are writing about two employees, say: “Each employee received a bonus.” If you are describing a whole team of ten, you could say: “Every employee received a bonus,” because you are thinking of the group as a complete unit.
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the two candidates has a strong CV.
- Every student in the class was given a workbook.
- Each room has its own bathroom, so guests can enjoy privacy.
- Every room was cleaned before the inspection.
- The teacher spoke to each child individually about their progress.
- Every member of the team contributes to the weekly meeting.
- Each of the players wants to score a goal.
- Every one of the applicants was interviewed by the manager.
- The students each received a certificate at the ceremony.
- Each answer needs a clear explanation.
- Every question on the test counts for two points.
- Each of my two brothers lives abroad.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
Here are the errors teachers see most often, with quick fixes:
- Plural verb after “each” or “every.”
❌ Each student are responsible for their homework.
✅ Each student is responsible for their homework. - Plural noun after “each” or “every.”
❌ Every books on the shelf belong to me.
✅ Every book on the shelf belongs to me. - Using “every” for two items.
❌ Every of my two sisters is a doctor.
✅ Each of my two sisters is a doctor. - Using “every” as a standalone pronoun.
❌ Every of them was late.
✅ Every one of them was late. (Or: Each of them was late.) - Mixing plural verbs after “each of.”
❌ Each of the boys play football on Sundays.
✅ Each of the boys plays football on Sundays.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, two or more items.
- Every = group focus, three or more items.
- Both take a singular noun and a singular verb.
- “Each” can stand alone; “every” cannot.
- After “each of” and “every one of,” use a plural noun but a singular verb.
- Watch out for plural verbs and plural nouns after these quantifiers.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with each or every, and make sure the verb agrees:
- ______ of the two options ______ (seem) reasonable.
- ______ student in the school ______ (receive) a free lunch.
- ______ of the employees ______ (have) their own desk.
- The manager checks ______ report before it is sent.
- ______ one of the guests ______ (be) given a name badge.
Answers:
- Each of the two options seems reasonable.
- Every student in the school receives a free lunch.
- Each of the employees has their own desk.
- The manager checks every report before it is sent.
- Every one of the guests was given a name badge.
Conclusion
Choosing between “each” and “every” is really about focus: individuals versus the whole group. If you remember that both words take a singular noun and a singular verb, you will avoid the most common ESL errors. Practise the examples above, and soon the correct form will feel completely natural.
FAQ
Is “each” always followed by a singular verb?
Yes, when “each” is the subject, the verb is singular: “Each of the answers is correct.” The only exception is when “each” follows a plural subject, as in “The students each receive a certificate,” where the verb agrees with “students.”
Can I use “every” with only two things?
No. “Every” normally requires three or more items. For two items, use “each”: “Each of my two hands has five fingers,” not “every.”
Should I write “each student has their book” or “each student has his or her book”?
Both are acceptable. Traditionally, grammar books recommend “his or her.” In modern English, “their” is widely accepted as a singular pronoun, but the verb must stay singular: “Each student has their book.”
What is the difference between “every” and “every one of”?
“Every” must be followed directly by a singular noun: “Every student passed.” “Every one of” is used before a plural noun or pronoun: “Every one of the students passed.” Both take a singular verb.