Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence and wonder whether to say “Each student is” or “Each student are“? You are not alone. Words like each, every, and all look simple, but they follow very different grammar rules for singular and plural agreement. Getting them right makes your English sound natural and precise, so let’s break them down step by step.
What Are ‘Each’, ‘Every’, and ‘All’?
Each, every, and all are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many. Each focuses on members of a group one by one. Every also looks at members one by one, but it treats the whole group as a complete set. All refers to the entire group together as a plural idea. In short: each = individually, every = without exception, all = the whole group.
Rules
- Each + singular noun + singular verb. “Each book is on the shelf.” Each always takes a singular verb, even when it refers to many things.
- Every + singular noun + singular verb. “Every student has a notebook.” Every cannot be used with plural nouns directly — say “every student,” never “every students.”
- All + plural noun + plural verb. “All the students are here.” With uncountable nouns, all takes a singular verb: “All the water is gone.”
- Each of / Every one of + plural noun + singular verb. “Each of the boys plays football.” “Every one of the answers was correct.”
- Pronoun agreement. Traditionally, each and every take singular pronouns (“Each child raised his or her hand”), but in modern English, “their” is widely accepted: “Every student brought their laptop.”
- Scope matters. Use each for two or more items (often small groups), every for three or more (often larger groups), and all for the complete group without exception.
- Emphasis matters. Each emphasizes individuality, every emphasizes completeness, and all emphasizes the total number or amount.
- Position with pronouns. After a subject pronoun, use “each” or “all” at the end or mid-position: “We each have a key.” “They all agreed.”
How to Use It
Follow these steps whenever you choose between the three words:
- Decide what you want to emphasize. Individual members? Use each. The complete set with no exceptions? Use every. The whole group as one plural unit? Use all.
- Check the noun. Singular noun → each or every. Plural or uncountable noun → all.
- Match the verb. Each and every take singular verbs; all takes a plural verb with countable nouns and a singular verb with uncountable nouns.
- Watch word order. Use “each of / every one of + plural noun” when you need a plural noun after these words.
- Read it aloud. If the verb sounds wrong (“every students are”), you probably need to adjust the noun or the verb.
Examples in Sentences
- Each member of the team has a specific role.
- Each of the paintings was sold at the auction.
- Every classroom in the school has a smartboard.
- Every one of the applicants was interviewed twice.
- All the tickets were sold out within an hour.
- All of the information is confidential.
- The teachers each received a small gift.
- We all enjoyed the concert last night.
- Each student needs to submit the form by Friday.
- Every child in the class knows the answer.
- All the employees are attending the training session.
- Each of us has a different opinion about the plan.
- Every seat in the theatre was taken.
- All the milk in the fridge has gone bad.
- The players each scored one goal in the match.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Each students have a book.
✅ Each student has a book. — Each needs a singular noun and verb. - ❌ Every of the boys plays football.
✅ Every one of the boys plays football. — Every cannot stand alone before “of”; use “every one of.” - ❌ All the student is present.
✅ All the students are present. — All with countable nouns takes a plural noun and verb. - ❌ Each of the answers were correct.
✅ Each of the answers was correct. — The subject is “each,” which is singular. - ❌ Every students in my class are friendly.
✅ Every student in my class is friendly. — Every is always singular.
Quick Summary
- Each = one by one; singular noun, singular verb.
- Every = all members as a complete set; singular noun, singular verb.
- All = the whole group; plural noun + plural verb (singular verb with uncountable nouns).
- Each of / Every one of + plural noun + singular verb.
- Modern English accepts their as a pronoun for each and every.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with each, every, or all. Pay attention to the verb!
- ___ of the students has a locker. (individually)
- ___ the shops in the mall were closed yesterday.
- ___ child in the village goes to school.
- ___ of the rooms needs new paint.
- ___ the water in the bottle was cold.
Answers: 1. Each 2. All 3. Every 4. Each (or Every one) 5. All
Conclusion
The key to choosing between each, every, and all is simple: think about agreement first, then scope, then emphasis. Each and every are singular; all is plural with countable nouns. Practice these patterns regularly, and soon the correct choice will feel completely natural.
FAQ
1. Can I say “each students”?
No. Each must be followed by a singular noun: “each student.” If you need a plural noun, use “each of the students” — and remember the verb stays singular: “Each of the students is ready.”
2. Is “every” always singular?
Yes. Every is always followed by a singular noun and a singular verb: “Every house has a garden.” However, when you use “every one of + plural noun,” the verb is still singular: “Every one of the houses has a garden.”
3. What is the difference between “each” and “every” in meaning?
Each highlights members individually, often in small or specific groups: “Each of the twins has a bike.” Every highlights the complete set with no exceptions, often in larger groups: “Every student in the school owns a uniform.”
4. Can “all” be used with singular verbs?
Yes, but only with uncountable nouns. “All the water is cold” is correct because water is uncountable. With countable plural nouns, all takes a plural verb: “All the books are new.”