Each vs Every vs All: Singular & Plural Agreement Guide

Introduction

Few grammar points confuse English learners as much as choosing between each, every, and all. These three little words look similar, but they behave very differently when it comes to singular and plural agreement. Getting them right will make your speaking and writing sound more natural and accurate.

What Are Each, Every, and All?

Each, every, and all are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many. We use them to talk about groups of people or things. Each and every focus on individual members of a group, while all focuses on the whole group together. This difference is called distributive meaning (one by one) versus collective meaning (as a whole).

Rules

1. Each is always singular. Use each + singular noun and a singular verb: Each student has a book.
2. Every is always singular too. Use every + singular noun and a singular verb: Every house on the street looks the same.
3. All is plural (usually). With countable nouns, use all + plural noun and a plural verb: All the students have books.
4. Each emphasises individuals separately. We often use each when we think of members one by one: She spoke to each child individually.
5. Every emphasises every member of a group as a whole set. It means “all of them, without exception”: Every seat was taken.
6. Each can be used for two things; every needs three or more. Each of my two hands ✅ but every of my two hands ❌.
7. Each can be a pronoun; every cannot. Each of them passed ✅, but Every of them passed ❌ (say Every one of them passed).
8. All can be a pronoun too. All of us were tired.
9. With uncountable nouns, use all, not each or every. All the water is gone ✅, Every the water ❌.
10. Watch the verb after “each of” and “every one of”. They take a singular verb: Each of the boys is ready.

How to Use It

Follow these steps when choosing your word:

1. Ask: am I thinking of members one by one, or the whole group? One by one → each or every. Whole group → all.
2. Check the noun. Singular noun → each or every. Plural noun → all.
3. Match the verb. Each and every take singular verbs; all takes plural verbs (for countable nouns).
4. Decide between each and every. Use each for small groups and two items; use every for larger groups and general statements.
5. Read it aloud. If “every of them” or “each students” sounds wrong, it probably is!

Examples in Sentences

• Each of the students has a locker. (singular verb)
• Every employee receives a bonus. (singular verb)
• All the employees receive bonuses. (plural verb)
• Each cake was decorated by hand. (individual focus)
• Every room in the hotel has a sea view. (no exceptions)
• All the rooms have sea views. (whole group)
• She gave each child a small gift. (one by one)
• Each of the twins is talented in music. (two people)
• Every country in Europe uses a different currency system. (large group)
• All of us were surprised by the news. (pronoun use)
• Each answer needs a full sentence. (instruction style)
• Every student and teacher was invited. (singular agreement)

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Each students have a book.
  ✅ Each student has a book.
• ❌ Every of the boys passed the test.
  ✅ Every one of the boys passed the test.
• ❌ All student is happy.
  ✅ All the students are happy.
• ❌ Each of the girls are ready.
  ✅ Each of the girls is ready.
• ❌ Every water in the bottle is cold.
  ✅ All the water in the bottle is cold.

Quick Summary

• Each = individual members, singular verb, works for two or more.
• Every = all members without exception, singular verb, needs three or more.
• All = the whole group, plural verb with countable nouns.
• Use each and every with singular nouns; use all with plural or uncountable nouns.
• Only each and all can stand alone as pronouns — every cannot.

Practice Exercises

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

1. _____ of the players (is / are) wearing a red shirt.
2. _____ child in the class (has / have) a notebook.
3. _____ the cookies (was / were) eaten by lunchtime.
4. _____ of the two sisters (plays / play) the piano.
5. _____ student and teacher (was / were) given a schedule.

Answers:

1. Each of the players is wearing a red shirt.
2. Every child in the class has a notebook.
3. All the cookies were eaten by lunchtime.
4. Each of the two sisters plays the piano.
5. Every student and teacher was given a schedule.

Conclusion

Mastering each, every, and all is mostly about paying attention to two things: the noun that follows and the verb that agrees with it. Remember that each and every are singular, while all is plural with countable nouns. Practise a little every day, and these small words will soon feel completely natural.

FAQ

Is “each” singular or plural?

Each is always singular. Even when it refers to many people or things, it takes a singular verb: Each of the students is responsible for one task. This is because each focuses on one member at a time.

Can I use “every” for two things?

No. Every needs three or more items. For two items, use each: Each of my two brothers lives abroad. Saying every of my two brothers is incorrect.

What is the difference between “all” and “every”?

All treats the group as a whole and takes a plural verb with countable nouns (All the boys are here). Every treats members individually and takes a singular verb (Every boy is here). The meaning is similar, but the grammar and emphasis differ.

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

No. Each and every are only used with singular countable nouns. With uncountable nouns like water, money, or information, use all: All the water is cold. Saying every water or each money is incorrect.