Introduction
Do you ever stop mid-sentence and wonder whether you should say “each student” or “every student”? You are not alone! These small words cause big confusion for English learners, even at the intermediate level. In this guide, we will break down each, every, and all so you can use them with confidence in speaking and writing.
What Is the Difference Between Each, Every, and All?
These three words are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many. They all refer to groups, but they do it in different ways. Each focuses on members of a group one by one (distributive meaning). Every also looks at members individually, but it treats the group as a complete whole with no exceptions. All refers to the entire group together (collective reference). Understanding this difference is the key to using them correctly.
Rules for Using Each, Every, and All
- Each + singular noun + singular verb. Example: Each child has a book. “Each” is used for two or more items, often when the group is small or specific.
- Every + singular noun + singular verb. Example: Every child has a book. “Every” is used for three or more items and suggests “all members without exception.”
- All + plural noun + plural verb. Example: All children have books. “All” treats the group as one unit.
- Each can stand alone as a pronoun. Example: Each of the students was ready. “Every” cannot stand alone in the same way — you need “every one of.”
- Every is not used for two items. Say each of my two brothers, not every of my two brothers.
- All can be used with uncountable nouns. Example: All the water is gone. “Each” and “every” cannot be used with uncountable nouns.
- Verb agreement is always singular with each and every, but plural with all (when followed by a plural noun).
How to Use Each, Every, and All
Follow these steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose:
- Ask yourself: am I thinking of members one by one, or the whole group at once? If one by one, use each or every. If the whole group, use all.
- Count the items. Two items? Use each. Three or more? You can use each or every.
- Check if the noun is countable. Uncountable nouns (water, information, money) only work with all.
- Match the verb. Singular verb for each and every; plural verb for all + plural noun.
- Decide if you need a pronoun. Each can stand alone; every usually needs a noun or “one of.”
For example: Each of the players wants to win. / Every player wants to win. / All the players want to win.
Examples in Sentences
- Each student received a certificate. (distributive — one by one)
- Every student received a certificate. (whole group, no exceptions)
- All the students received certificates. (collective)
- I gave each of my two sisters a gift. (only two people — use each)
- Every seat in the theatre was taken. (large group, complete)
- All the information was useful. (uncountable noun)
- Each of the boys is wearing a blue shirt. (singular verb)
- Every one of the cakes was delicious. (singular verb)
- All my friends are coming to the party. (plural verb)
- Each answer is worth five points.
- Every morning, she drinks a cup of tea.
- All the money has been spent.
- We each have our own room. (“each” after a subject pronoun)
- Every child in the class needs a pencil.
- All of us were surprised by the news.
Common Mistakes
Watch out for these typical errors:
- Using a plural verb with each or every.
❌ Every student have a book.
✅ Every student has a book. - Using every with only two items.
❌ Every of my two hands was dirty.
✅ Each of my two hands was dirty. - Using each or every with uncountable nouns.
❌ Each information was helpful.
✅ All the information was helpful. - Using all with a singular verb when the noun is plural.
❌ All the students is here.
✅ All the students are here. - Confusing “every” with “all” in meaning.
❌ Every the people were happy.
✅ All the people were happy. / Every person was happy.
Quick Summary
- Each = one by one, two or more items, singular verb, can stand alone.
- Every = all members without exception, three or more items, singular verb, cannot stand alone.
- All = whole group together, plural or uncountable nouns, plural verb (with plural nouns).
- Verb agreement: each/every + singular; all + plural.
- Use each for two items, every for three or more.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with each, every, or all. Then check your answers below.
- ______ of the two kittens has a different colour.
- ______ student in the school must wear a uniform.
- ______ the water in the bottle is cold.
- I visit my grandmother ______ weekend.
- ______ of the boys are playing football.
Answers:
- Each (two items)
- Every (whole group, no exceptions)
- All (uncountable noun)
- Every (routine, complete)
- All (plural noun + plural verb)
Conclusion
Mastering each, every, and all is easier than it looks once you remember the core idea: each and every look at members individually, while all looks at the group as a whole. Pay attention to verb agreement and whether your noun is countable or uncountable, and you will avoid the most common mistakes. Practise with the examples above, and soon these quantifiers will feel completely natural.
FAQ
1. Can I use “each” and “every” interchangeably?
Not always. “Each” emphasises individual members one by one and works with two or more items. “Every” emphasises the group as a complete set with no exceptions and is used with three or more items. For two items, only “each” is correct.
2. Is “every” always followed by a singular verb?
Yes. “Every” is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb: Every dog barks. Even though it refers to many dogs, the grammar is singular.
3. Can “all” be used with singular nouns?
Yes, with uncountable nouns: All the milk is fresh. But with countable plural nouns, “all” takes a plural verb: All the apples are ripe.
4. What is the difference between “each of” and “every one of”?
Both are correct, but “each of” is more common in everyday speech. “Every one of” adds emphasis and is slightly more formal: Every one of the students passed. Remember that “every of” alone is incorrect.