Each vs Every vs All: Singular & Plural Agreement Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write “each student is” or “each student are“? You are not alone. Words like each, every, and all look simple, but they follow surprisingly different grammar rules. Getting them right makes your English sound accurate and natural, and it helps you express exactly what you mean — one by one, without exception, or as a whole group.

In this guide, we will look at how these three words behave with singular and plural verbs, how their scope changes meaning, and how to use them for emphasis. We will also cover the most common mistakes ESL learners make and give you plenty of practice.

What Is the Difference Between Each, Every, and All?

Each refers to members of a group one by one, as individuals. Every refers to all members of a group as a complete set, with no exceptions. All refers to the whole group or quantity together. In short: each = individual focus, every = complete group focus, all = whole-group focus. This difference affects verb agreement, pronouns, and even the tone of your sentence.

Rules

1. Each + singular noun + singular verb. “Each student has a book.” Even though each points to many people, the grammar is singular.
2. Every + singular noun + singular verb. “Every house on the street is painted white.” Every always takes a singular noun and verb.
3. All + plural noun + plural verb (for countable nouns). “All the students are ready.” With uncountable nouns, all takes a singular verb: “All the water is gone.”
4. Each of + plural noun/pronoun + singular verb. “Each of the boys wants to play.” The verb agrees with each, not with boys.
5. Every cannot be followed by “of.” Say “every one of the students,” not “every of the students.”
6. Each can be used for two things; every needs three or more. “Each of my two hands” is fine, but “every of my two hands” is not. Use every for groups of three or more.
7. Pronoun agreement. After each and every, use singular pronouns in formal writing: “Each child raised his or her hand.” In informal speech, “their” is common and increasingly accepted.
8. Position of “each.” Each can follow a plural subject: “They each received a prize.” Every and all cannot be used this way.

How to Use It

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

1. Decide your focus. Are you talking about individuals one by one (each), the complete group with no exceptions (every), or the whole group together (all)?
2. Check the noun. Use a singular noun after each and every. Use a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun after all.
3. Match the verb. Each and every take singular verbs. All takes a plural verb with countable nouns and a singular verb with uncountable nouns.
4. Watch for “of.” Use “each of” and “all of” freely, but never “every of.” Use “every one of” instead.
5. Check pronouns. Use singular pronouns after each and every in formal writing.

Example walkthrough: You want to say that no student in a class of 30 forgot homework. “Each student forgot his or her homework” stresses individuals. “Every student forgot his or her homework” stresses the complete group with no exceptions. “All the students forgot their homework” treats the class as one whole group.

Examples in Sentences

• Each member of the team has a specific role.
• Each of the answers is correct.
• Every child in the room was laughing.
• Every one of the cars needs a new tire.
• All the students are waiting outside.
• All of the milk is fresh.
• The players each received a medal. (Note the plural subject before each.)
• Each of my two sisters lives abroad.
• Every shop on the street closes at 8 p.m.
• All of us were surprised by the news.
• Each student must bring his or her own dictionary.
• Every answer counts, so read the questions carefully.

Common Mistakes

• Plural verb after “each”:
  ❌ Each of the boys are here.
  ✅ Each of the boys is here.
• Plural verb after “every”:
  ❌ Every student have a laptop.
  ✅ Every student has a laptop.
• Using “every of”:
  ❌ Every of the rooms was clean.
  ✅ Every one of the rooms was clean.
• Singular verb with plural “all”:
  ❌ All the books is on the shelf.
  ✅ All the books are on the shelf.
• Using “every” for two things:
  ❌ She wore a ring on every of her two hands.
  ✅ She wore a ring on each of her two hands.

Quick Summary

• Each = one by one; singular noun and verb; works with two or more; can follow a plural subject.
• Every = the complete group, no exceptions; singular noun and verb; needs three or more; never followed by “of.”
• All = the whole group together; plural verb with countable nouns, singular verb with uncountable nouns.
• Use each of and all of, but say every one of.
• Keep pronouns singular after each and every in formal writing.

Practice Exercises

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

1. _____ of the students (has / have) a locker.
2. _____ child in the class (was / were) given a certificate.
3. _____ the windows (is / are) open.
4. The teachers _____ (receive / receives) a new schedule.
5. _____ one of the paintings (is / are) valuable.

Answers:

1. Each of the students has a locker.
2. Every child in the class was given a certificate.
3. All the windows are open.
4. The teachers each receive a new schedule.
5. Every one of the paintings is valuable.

Conclusion

Choosing between each, every, and all is really about focus: individuals, a complete group, or the whole together. Once you remember that each and every take singular verbs while all usually takes a plural verb, most errors disappear. Practise the examples above, and soon these three little words will feel completely natural.

FAQ

Is “each” singular or plural?

Each is grammatically singular, even when it refers to many people or things. That is why we say “Each of the girls is ready,” not “are ready.” When each follows a plural subject, however, the verb agrees with that subject: “The girls each have a book.”

Can I say “every of the students”?

No. Every cannot be followed directly by “of.” Use “every one of the students” or simply “every student” instead. You can, however, say “each of the students” and “all of the students” without any problem.

Does “all” take a singular or plural verb?

It depends on the noun. With plural countable nouns, use a plural verb: “All the tickets are sold.” With uncountable nouns, use a singular verb: “All the information is correct.”

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

Each focuses on members individually, one by one, and can be used for two things. Every focuses on the complete group with no exceptions and needs three or more items. Compare: “Each of my two brothers called me” (individual, two people) and “Every student passed the exam” (the whole group, no exceptions).