Each vs Every vs All: Singular or Plural? Full Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence and wonder whether to say each student is or each student are? You are not alone. Small words like each, every, and all cause big confusion because they look similar but follow different grammar rules. Getting them right makes your English clearer, more natural, and more accurate, whether you are writing an email, taking an exam, or chatting with friends.

What Are ‘Each’, ‘Every’, and ‘All’?

Each, every, and all are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many. They describe groups of people or things, but they do it in different ways. Each focuses on members of a group one by one. Every also looks at members one by one, but it treats the group as a whole and cannot be used for just two things. All refers to the entire group together. This difference in meaning — called distributive meaning (each/every) versus collective meaning (all) — is the key to using them correctly.

Rules

1. Each + singular noun + singular verb. Each child gets a gift. Use each for two or more items, especially when you see them individually.
2. Every + singular noun + singular verb. Every house on the street has a garden. Use every for three or more items, never for exactly two.
3. All + plural noun + plural verb. All the students are ready. With uncountable nouns, use a singular verb: All the water is gone.
4. Each of / Every one of + plural noun + singular verb. Each of the boys is here. Every one of the answers was correct.
5. All of + plural noun + plural verb; All of + uncountable noun + singular verb. All of my friends live nearby. All of the milk is fresh.
6. Pronouns must match. After each and every, use singular pronouns in formal writing: Each student must bring his or her book. In everyday speech, their is common, but exams usually prefer the singular form.
7. Position matters. Each and all can follow the subject: We each have a ticket. They all agreed. Every cannot do this.
8. Negative meaning. Not every means “some are not”: Not every bird can fly. Not all means “some are not”: Not all birds can fly. Both are correct, but the focus is slightly different.

How to Use It

Follow these steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose:

1. Ask: am I thinking of the group one by one, or as a whole? One by one → each or every. Whole group → all.
2. Count the items. Exactly two → only each (or both). Three or more → each, every, or all.
3. Check the noun. Singular noun after each and every. Plural or uncountable noun after all.
4. Match the verb. Singular verb for each and every. Plural verb for all + plural noun. Singular verb for all + uncountable noun.
5. Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds odd, check the subject-verb agreement again. For example: Each of the rooms has a window (not have).

Examples in Sentences

• Each member of the team has a specific role.
• Each of the twins wants a different dessert.
• Every morning, my neighbour walks his dog.
• Every one of the students was given a certificate.
• All the shops close at nine on Sundays.
• All of the information is on the website.
• We each have our own locker.
• They all agreed with the plan.
• Each country has its own traditions.
• Every seat in the theatre was taken.
• All children need love and attention.
• Each of the answers is worth two points.
• Every coin in the box looks old.
• All of us were surprised by the news.

Common Mistakes

• Plural verb after each/every
  ❌ Each student have a book.
  ✅ Each student has a book.
• Using every for two things
  ❌ Every of my parents is a teacher.
  ✅ Each of my parents is a teacher.
• Plural verb after “each of”
  ❌ Each of the boys are here.
  ✅ Each of the boys is here.
• Singular verb after “all of” + plural noun
  ❌ All of my friends lives nearby.
  ✅ All of my friends live nearby.
• Wrong pronoun agreement
  ❌ Every student must bring their book (avoid in formal writing).
  ✅ Every student must bring his or her book.

Quick Summary

• Each = one by one; two or more; singular verb.
• Every = one by one; three or more; singular verb.
• All = the whole group; plural noun + plural verb (or uncountable + singular verb).
• Each of / Every one of + plural noun → singular verb.
• All of + plural noun → plural verb.
• Keep pronouns singular after each and every in formal English.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with each, every, or all, and choose the correct verb form.

1. _____ of the two sisters _____ (be) a doctor.
2. _____ student in the class _____ (receive) a workbook.
3. _____ of the coffee _____ (be) cold now.
4. We _____ _____ (have) a copy of the schedule.
5. _____ the children _____ (play) outside after lunch.

Answers:

1. Each; is
2. Every; receives (or Each; receives)
3. All; is
4. each; have
5. All; play

Conclusion

Mastering each, every, and all is mostly about one question: are you seeing the group one by one, or as a whole? Once you know that, the verb agreement follows naturally. Practise a little every day, and these small words will stop being a problem and start making your English sharper and clearer.

FAQ

Is “each” singular or plural?

Each is grammatically singular. It always takes a singular verb: Each player has a number. Even when it is followed by of and a plural noun, the verb stays singular: Each of the players has a number. The only exception is when each comes after a plural subject: We each have a number.

Can I use “every” for two things?

No. Every needs three or more items. If you are talking about exactly two things, use each: Each of my eyes works perfectly (not every of my eyes). You can also use both: Both of my eyes work perfectly.

Should I say “all is” or “all are”?

It depends on the noun that follows. If all refers to a plural noun, use a plural verb: All the students are here. If it refers to an uncountable noun, use a singular verb: All the water is gone. As a pronoun meaning “everything,” all takes a singular verb: All is well.

Is “each of them are” ever correct?

No, in standard English it is not correct. Each of them is a singular subject, so the verb must be singular: Each of them is ready. You may hear are in casual speech, but exams and formal writing expect the singular form. If you want a plural verb, change the subject: All of them are ready.