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 learners at the B1–B2 level. Getting them right makes your English sound precise and natural, especially in writing tasks, emails, and exams.
What Is the Difference Between “Each” and “Every”?
Each and every are both quantifiers that refer to members of a group one at a time. Each focuses on the individual members separately, while every focuses on all the members together as a complete group. In other words, each highlights individual reference, and every highlights collective reference. Both are followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.
Rules for Using “Each” and “Every”
- Use a singular noun after both words. Say “each book” and “every book”, never “each books”.
- Use a singular verb. “Each student is ready” and “Every student is ready” are both correct.
- Use “each” for two or more members, seen individually. “Each of my two brothers calls me weekly.”
- Use “every” for three or more members, seen as a whole group. “Every player on the team trained hard.”
- “Each of” takes a plural noun or pronoun plus a singular verb. “Each of the students is prepared.”
- “Every” cannot be used for exactly two things. Say “each hand”, not “every hand”, when talking about a pair.
- Place “each” after the subject when it refers back to a plural subject. “The tickets each cost ten dollars.”
How to Use “Each” and “Every” Step by Step
Follow these steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose.
- Ask: am I thinking of members one by one, or as one group? If you picture people or things separately, choose each. If you picture the whole group at once, choose every.
- Check the number. For exactly two items, use each. For three or more, either word can work.
- Make the noun singular. “Each child”, “every child”.
- Make the verb singular. “Each child receives a gift.”
- If you use “of”, keep the noun plural but the verb singular. “Each of the children receives a gift.”
- Reread the sentence aloud. If “are” or “have” appears after each or every plus a noun, check again — it is probably wrong.
Examples in Sentences
- Each member of the club has a vote.
- Every member of the club has a vote.
- Each of the rooms is cleaned daily.
- Every room is cleaned daily.
- She wore a ring on each finger. (Exactly two hands, individual focus.)
- Every employee attends the Monday meeting.
- The players each receive a medal. (“Each” after a plural subject.)
- Each answer counts towards your final score.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- Each of my sisters has a different hobby.
- Every child needs encouragement.
- We each paid for our own lunch.
Common Mistakes with “Each” and “Every”
These are the errors teachers see most often in ESL writing.
- Plural verb after “each” or “every”
❌ Each student are responsible for their homework.
✅ Each student is responsible for their homework. - Plural noun directly after “each” or “every”
❌ Every students passed the test.
✅ Every student passed the test. - Plural verb after “each of”
❌ Each of the boys were late.
✅ Each of the boys was late. - Using “every” for exactly two things
❌ She held a bag in every hand.
✅ She held a bag in each hand. - Double “each” in the same clause
❌ The each students each got a book.
✅ The students each got a book.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual reference; every = collective reference.
- Both take a singular noun and a singular verb.
- Use each for exactly two; use every for three or more.
- “Each of” + plural noun + singular verb.
- “Each” can follow a plural subject: “They each have a key.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with each or every, and choose the correct verb form.
- ______ of the apartments ______ (have) a balcony.
- She has a tattoo on ______ arm.
- ______ student in the class ______ (need) a dictionary.
- The teachers ______ (receive) a new laptop.
- ______ of the answers ______ (be) correct.
Answers:
- Each of the apartments has a balcony.
- She has a tattoo on each arm.
- Every (or Each) student in the class needs a dictionary.
- The teachers each receive a new laptop.
- Each of the answers is correct.
Conclusion
Mastering each and every comes down to two habits: thinking about individual versus collective meaning, and always checking that your verb is singular. Practise the sentences above, watch for the common errors, and your writing will quickly sound more accurate and confident.
FAQ
Is “each” always followed by a singular verb?
Yes, when “each” is the subject. “Each student is here” and “Each of the students is here” are both correct. The only exception is when “each” follows a plural subject as an adverb-like word: “The students each have a book” — here the verb agrees with “students”.
Can I use “every” for two things?
No. “Every” refers to three or more members of a group. For exactly two, use “each”: “I have a scar on each knee”, not “every knee”.
What is the difference between “each” and “every” in meaning?
“Each” stresses members separately: “Each child received a different toy.” “Every” stresses the group as a whole: “Every child received a toy.” The grammar is the same, but the focus is different.
Do “each” and “every” take “is” or “are”?
They take is (singular). Say “Every seat is taken” and “Each answer is important”. Avoid “Every seat are taken” — a very common ESL error.