Each vs Every vs All: Quantifier Guide for ESL Learners

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 are some of the most useful quantifiers in English, yet they trip up learners at every level. Getting them right helps you speak and write with confidence and precision.

What Are “Each,” “Every,” and “All”?

These three words are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many of something we are talking about. They help us describe how items in a group are distributed or considered together.

Each focuses on individual members of a group, one by one. Every also looks at members individually but treats the group as a complete set with no exceptions. All refers to the entire group as a whole, without separating the members.

Think of it this way: each is like looking at every single tree in a forest one at a time, every is like saying the forest has no tree missing, and all is like viewing the whole forest from above.

Rules

1. Each is always singular. It takes a singular noun and a singular verb: Each child needs a coat.
2. Every is also always singular. It takes a singular noun and a singular verb: Every house has a door.
3. All is plural with countable nouns and takes a plural verb: All the students are here. With uncountable nouns, it takes a singular verb: All the water is gone.
4. Each is used for two or more items, often when the group is small or specific. Each of my two brothers lives abroad.
5. Every is used for three or more items and suggests a whole group with no exceptions. Every player on the team scored.
6. All can be used with plural countable nouns, uncountable nouns, and even pronouns: All of us agree.
7. When each or every is followed by “of,” the noun or pronoun is plural, but the verb stays singular: Each of the girls is ready.

How to Use It

Follow these steps to choose the right quantifier every time.

1. Decide if you mean the group as a whole or one by one. If you mean the whole group together, use all. If you mean members individually, use each or every.
2. Check the number of items. If there are exactly two, use each (not every). If there are three or more, each and every both work.
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 the word order. You can say each student, every student, or all students, but you can also say each of the students, every one of the students, or all of the students.
5. Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds awkward, check the noun and verb agreement again.

Examples in Sentences

• Each of the runners received a medal after the race.
• Every employee must attend the safety training session.
• All the windows were open during the storm.
• She gave each child a small gift.
• Every morning, he drinks a cup of green tea.
• All of my friends love Italian food.
• Each answer on the test was correct.
• Every seat in the theater was taken.
• All the information in the report is accurate.
• I visit my grandmother every Sunday.
• Each of the twins has a different personality.
• All the water in the bottle has evaporated.

Common Mistakes

These errors appear again and again in ESL writing. Learn to spot and fix them.

• Mistake 1: Using a plural verb with each or every.

  ❌ Each of the students are responsible for their own homework.
  ✅ Each of the students is responsible for their own homework.

• Mistake 2: Using every with only two items.

  ❌ I have two sisters, and every sister lives in London.
  ✅ I have two sisters, and each sister lives in London.

• Mistake 3: Using all with a singular countable noun.

  ❌ All student in the class passed the exam.
  ✅ All the students in the class passed the exam.

• Mistake 4: Forgetting “of” after each or every before a pronoun.

  ❌ Each them brought a notebook.
  ✅ Each of them brought a notebook.

• Mistake 5: Mixing up singular and plural verbs with all.

  ❌ All the furniture are new.
  ✅ All the furniture is new.

Quick Summary

• Each = individual members, one by one; singular verb; used for two or more.
• Every = all members as a complete set, no exceptions; singular verb; used for three or more.
• All = the whole group together; plural verb with countable nouns, singular verb with uncountable nouns.
• After each of or every one of, the noun is plural but the verb is singular.
• Always check noun and verb agreement after using these quantifiers.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with each, every, or all. Then check your answers below.

1. _______ of the boys has a bicycle.
2. _______ the cookies in the jar were eaten.
3. She calls her mother _______ day.
4. _______ student in the class received a certificate.
5. _______ of the information was helpful.

Answers:

1. Each
2. All
3. every
4. Every
5. All

Conclusion

Mastering each, every, and all is a small step that makes a big difference in your English fluency. Pay attention to whether you are focusing on individuals or the whole group, and always check your verb agreement. With practice, choosing the right quantifier will become second nature.

FAQ

Can I use “every” with two items?

No. Every requires three or more items. When you have exactly two items, use each instead. For example, say “each of my two hands” rather than “every of my two hands.”

Is “each” always singular?

Yes. Each is always followed by a singular noun and a singular verb, even when it is followed by “of” and a plural noun. For example: “Each of the players is ready.”

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

All refers to the group as a whole and takes a plural verb with countable nouns: “All the students are here.” Every refers to members individually and takes a singular verb: “Every student is here.” The meaning is similar, but the grammar and focus are different.

Can “all” be used with uncountable nouns?

Yes. With uncountable nouns, all takes a singular verb: “All the milk is fresh.” With countable plural nouns, it takes a plural verb: “All the apples are fresh.”