Introduction
Do you ever stop mid-sentence because you are not sure whether to say each student is or each student are? You are not alone. These small quantifier words cause big confusion for B1–B2 learners, especially when singular and plural agreement is involved. This guide will help you use each, every, and all correctly in everyday English.
What Is the Difference Between Each, Every, and All?
Each, every, and all are quantifiers. They tell us how much or how many of something we are talking about. Each and every focus on members one by one (distributive meaning) and take singular verbs. All focuses on the whole group together and takes a plural verb with countable nouns. Understanding this difference is the key to accurate agreement.
Rules for Each, Every, and All
- Each + singular noun + singular verb. Example: Each child needs a coat. “Each” means one at a time, so the verb is singular.
- Every + singular noun + singular verb. Example: Every student has a book. “Every” also treats members individually, so the verb stays singular.
- All + plural countable noun + plural verb. Example: All students have books. “All” refers to the whole group, so the verb is plural.
- All + uncountable noun + singular verb. Example: All the water is gone. Uncountable nouns always take singular verbs.
- Each of + plural noun/pronoun + singular verb. Example: Each of the boys is ready. The head of the subject is still “each,” so the verb is singular.
- Every + plural noun is incorrect. Do not say every students. Use every student or all students.
- Pronouns must match. After “each” or “every,” use singular pronouns in formal writing: Each worker finished his or her task. In everyday speech, “their” is widely accepted.
How to Use Each, Every, and All
Follow these steps to choose the right word and verb form every time.
- Ask yourself: one by one or as a group? If you see members individually, use each or every. If you see the whole group, use all.
- Check the noun type. Countable singular nouns follow each and every. Plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns follow all.
- Match the verb to the head of the subject. Each and every take singular verbs. All takes a plural verb with countable nouns and a singular verb with uncountable nouns.
- Watch prepositional phrases. In Each of the players is ready, the verb agrees with “each,” not “players.”
- Choose the right pronoun. Use singular pronouns after each and every in formal English, or “their” in informal contexts.
Examples in Sentences
- Each employee receives a badge on the first day.
- Each of the applicants was interviewed separately.
- Every classroom has a whiteboard.
- Every child in the group wants a turn.
- All the teachers are attending the meeting.
- All of my friends live nearby.
- All the information is correct.
- Each recipe takes about twenty minutes.
- Every seat in the hall was taken.
- All the furniture needs cleaning.
- Each of us has a different opinion.
- Every morning, she walks to the station.
- All the students were excited about the trip.
Common Mistakes
Here are five errors that ESL learners make most often with these quantifiers.
- Plural verb after each/every
❌ Each student are responsible.
✅ Each student is responsible. - Plural noun after every
❌ Every books on the shelf is new.
✅ Every book on the shelf is new. - Singular verb after all + plural noun
❌ All the players was tired.
✅ All the players were tired. - Wrong verb with all + uncountable noun
❌ All the milk are fresh.
✅ All the milk is fresh. - Mismatched pronoun
❌ Every employee must submit their badge number. (acceptable informally, but formal writing prefers singular)
✅ Every employee must submit his or her badge number. (formal)
✅ All employees must submit their badge numbers. (best for groups)
Quick Summary
- Each = one by one; singular noun; singular verb.
- Every = all members individually; singular noun; singular verb.
- All = whole group; plural countable noun + plural verb, or uncountable noun + singular verb.
- Each of / Every of (only “each of” is standard) + plural noun takes a singular verb.
- Match pronouns carefully in formal writing.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
- Each of the candidates ______ (need) a passport photo.
- Every house on the street ______ (have) a garden.
- All the windows ______ (be) open.
- All the sugar ______ (be) in the jar.
- Each student ______ (want) a copy of the notes.
Answers:
- needs
- has
- are
- is
- wants
Conclusion
Choosing between each, every, and all becomes easy once you remember the distributive idea behind each and every, and the group idea behind all. Keep the head of the subject in mind, and your singular and plural agreement will stay accurate. Practise with the exercises above, and these quantifiers will soon feel natural in your everyday English.
FAQ
1. Can I use “every” with plural nouns?
No. “Every” always takes a singular countable noun. Say every student, not every students. If you want a plural meaning, use all students.
2. Is “each of the students are” ever correct?
In standard English, no. The subject is “each,” which is singular, so the verb must be singular: Each of the students is ready. You may hear the plural form in casual speech, but it is not accepted in formal writing or exams.
3. What verb do I use with “all” and uncountable nouns?
Use a singular verb. Uncountable nouns such as water, information, and furniture take singular verbs: All the information is correct.
4. Is “their” acceptable after “each” or “every”?
In modern informal English, yes. Many speakers say Every student must bring their book. However, in formal writing and exams, use singular pronouns: Every student must bring his or her book. Alternatively, switch to all with a plural noun: All students must bring their books.