Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say “each student is” or “each student are“? You are not alone. The words each, every, and all look simple, but they cause more confusion than almost any other quantifiers in English. Getting them right makes your writing sound precise, natural, and confident.
In this guide, we will break down how these three words work, when to use a singular or plural verb, and which mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will use them correctly in everyday English without a second thought.
What Is Distributive Meaning and Group Reference?
Distributive meaning means you are talking about members of a group one by one, individually. The words each and every are distributive: they pick out single items from a group. For example, “Each child received a gift” means you are thinking of the children individually.
Group reference means you are talking about the group as a whole. The word all works this way: “All the children received gifts” treats the children as one complete group.
This difference matters because it decides whether your verb should be singular or plural. Distributive words (each, every) take singular verbs. Group words (all) take plural verbs with countable nouns.
Rules
- “Each” takes a singular verb. Even though it refers to more than one thing, it focuses on them one at a time. Each of the boys is ready.
- “Every” takes a singular verb. It means “all members of a group, without exception,” but grammatically it is singular. Every employee has a badge.
- “All” takes a plural verb with countable nouns. All the students are here.
- “All” takes a singular verb with uncountable nouns. All the water is gone.
- “Each” can appear alone or before a noun. Each works hard. / Each player works hard.
- “Every” must be followed by a singular noun. You cannot say “every students.” Say every student.
- “Each of” and “every one of” take a plural noun but a singular verb. Each of the rooms is clean.
- Pronouns after “each” and “every” are usually singular. Every dog loves its owner. (Informally, “their” is now widely accepted.)
How to Use It
Follow these simple steps to choose the right word and verb every time.
- Ask yourself: individual or group? If you mean one by one, use each or every. If you mean the whole group together, use all.
- Check the noun type. Is it countable (students, cars, apples) or uncountable (water, information, time)? This matters for all.
- Match the verb. Each and every → singular verb. All + countable → plural verb. All + uncountable → singular verb.
- Watch the pronoun. Keep pronouns singular after each and every in formal writing: Each girl brought her book.
- Read it aloud. If it sounds odd, check the verb agreement again.
Example: “Every teacher knows the answer.” (Singular verb after every.) “All the teachers know the answer.” (Plural verb after all.)
Examples in Sentences
- Each of the applicants was interviewed separately.
- Every seat in the hall is taken.
- All the passengers were tired after the flight.
- Each student has a locker.
- Every morning, she drinks green tea.
- All the money was spent on repairs.
- Each of my brothers lives in a different city.
- Every child in the class received a certificate.
- All the information is correct.
- Each player wants to win the final.
- Every member of the team contributes ideas.
- All the guests have arrived.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: Plural verb after “each.”
❌ Each of the boys are here.
✅ Each of the boys is here. - Mistake 2: Plural verb after “every.”
❌ Every student have a book.
✅ Every student has a book. - Mistake 3: Singular verb after “all” with countable nouns.
❌ All the students is ready.
✅ All the students are ready. - Mistake 4: Using a plural noun after “every.”
❌ Every cars need petrol.
✅ Every car needs petrol. - Mistake 5: Confusing “all” with “every” in meaning.
❌ Every of the teachers came.
✅ All of the teachers came. / Every teacher came.
Quick Summary
- Each = individual focus, singular verb.
- Every = all members one by one, singular verb, always followed by a singular noun.
- All = whole group, plural verb with countable nouns, singular verb with uncountable nouns.
- “Each of” and “every one of” take a plural noun but a singular verb.
- Pronouns after each and every are usually singular in formal English.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with is, are, has, or have.
- Each of the rooms ______ a window.
- Every employee ______ a key card.
- All the books ______ on the shelf.
- All the milk ______ fresh.
- Each student ______ a notebook and a pen.
Answers:
- has
- has
- are
- is
- has
Conclusion
Mastering each, every, and all is easier than it looks once you remember the key idea: each and every are singular, while all depends on whether the noun is countable or uncountable. Practice these patterns in your daily writing, and your English will sound more accurate and natural.
FAQ
1. Is “each” always singular?
Yes. Even though each refers to more than one thing, it treats them individually, so it always takes a singular verb. For example: “Each of the answers is correct.”
2. Can I say “every students”?
No. Every must be followed by a singular noun: “every student.” If you want a plural noun, use all: “all students.”
3. What is the difference between “each” and “every”?
Each emphasises individual members one by one, and it can be used for two or more items. Every emphasises all members of a group without exception and is usually used for three or more. For example: “Each of my two hands is clean” (not “every”). “Every student passed” (the whole group).
4. Does “all” take a singular or plural verb?
It depends on the noun. With countable plural nouns, use a plural verb: “All the children are playing.” With uncountable nouns, use a singular verb: “All the sugar is gone.”
