Each vs Every vs All: Singular or Plural? Complete Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence and wonder whether to say each student is or each student are? You are not alone. The words each, every, and all look simple, but they follow very different grammar rules, and mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes ESL learners make. This guide will help you use them with confidence, whether you are writing an email, taking an exam, or chatting with friends.

What Are ‘Each’, ‘Every’, and ‘All’?

Each, every, and all are quantifiers — words that tell us how much or how many. They all refer to a group, but they see that group in different ways.

Each means “every one, considered separately.” It focuses on individual members one by one. Every means “all the members of a group, considered together as a whole.” It focuses on the group without exception. All means “the whole group or quantity” and is used with plural nouns (or uncountable nouns). Think of it like this: each takes a photo of one person at a time, every takes a group photo, and all describes the entire crowd.

Rules

1. Each + singular noun + singular verb. Each child has a book. Even though “each” refers to many children, the grammar is singular.
2. Every + singular noun + singular verb. Every student needs a pencil. “Every” is always followed by a singular noun.
3. All + plural noun + plural verb. All the students need pencils. With uncountable nouns, use a singular verb: All the water is gone.
4. Use “each” for two things; use “every” for three or more. She held a bag in each hand. (two hands) He visits every city in the region. (many cities)
5. “Each of” and “every one of” take a plural noun but a singular verb. Each of the boys is ready. Every one of the answers was correct.
6. Pronouns after “each” and “every” are singular. Each student should bring his or her notebook. In modern informal English, “their” is also widely accepted.
7. Position matters. “Each” can follow a subject: They each received a prize. “Every” and “all” cannot be used this way in standard English.
8. “All” can also mean “everything.” All is well. Here “all” means “everything” and takes a singular verb.

How to Use It

Follow these simple steps whenever you are unsure which word to choose:

1. Ask yourself: am I focusing on individuals or the whole group? If you want to highlight members one by one, use each. If you mean the group as a complete unit, use every or all.
2. Count the group. Two items? Use each. Three or more? Every works well.
3. Check the noun. Singular noun after each and every; plural noun after all.
4. Match the verb to the noun. Each student is (singular), all students are (plural).
5. Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds off, check the table in your mind: each/every = singular, all = plural.

For example, if you want to say that members of a team received a gift, you could write: Each member received a gift (individual focus), Every member received a gift (no exceptions), or All the members received gifts (whole group). All three are correct — the choice depends on your emphasis.

Examples in Sentences

• Each player has a locker. (singular verb)
• Every house on the street looks the same. (singular verb)
• All the cookies were eaten. (plural verb)
• She wore a ring on each finger. (two hands, individual focus)
• Every morning, he drinks a cup of tea. (routine, no exceptions)
• Each of the candidates was interviewed separately. (singular verb after “each of”)
• All of the information is correct. (uncountable noun, singular verb)
• The teachers each gave a short speech. (“each” after the subject)
• Every one of the rooms has a sea view. (singular verb)
• All children need love and attention. (plural verb, general statement)
• Each answer counts for two points. (singular verb)
• We all agreed with the plan. (“all” after the subject pronoun)
• Every student in the class passed the exam. (no exceptions)

Common Mistakes

Here are five errors to watch out for:

• ❌ Each students have a book.
  ✅ Each student has a book. — “Each” needs a singular noun and verb.
• ❌ Every of the boys was late.
  ✅ Every one of the boys was late. — “Every” cannot stand alone before “of.”
• ❌ All the student is here.
  ✅ All the students are here. — “All” with a countable noun takes a plural noun and verb.
• ❌ Each of them are ready.
  ✅ Each of them is ready. — “Each of” is followed by a singular verb.
• ❌ He carried a bag in every hand.
  ✅ He carried a bag in each hand. — Use “each” for two things, “every” for three or more.

Quick Summary

• Each = one by one; singular noun + singular verb; best for two things.
• Every = the whole group, no exceptions; singular noun + singular verb; three or more.
• All = the complete group; plural noun + plural verb (singular with uncountable nouns).
• “Each of” and “every one of” take a plural noun but a singular verb.
• “Each” and “all” can follow the subject; “every” cannot.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with each, every, or all, and choose the correct verb form.

1. ______ student in the school ______ (own) a uniform.
2. ______ the books on the shelf ______ (be) dusty.
3. She has a bracelet on ______ wrist.
4. ______ of the answers ______ (seem) correct.
5. We ______ ______ (enjoy) the concert last night.

Answers:

1. Every student in the school owns a uniform.
2. All the books on the shelf are dusty.
3. She has a bracelet on each wrist.
4. Each of the answers seems correct.
5. We all enjoyed the concert last night.

Conclusion

Choosing between each, every, and all is really about two things: how you see the group (one by one or as a whole) and matching your verb correctly. Keep the golden rule in mind — each and every are singular, all is plural — and you will avoid the most common errors. With a little practice, these small words will become second nature.

FAQ

Can I use “each” with a plural noun?

No. In standard English, “each” is followed by a singular noun: each student, not each students. However, after “each of,” the noun is plural: each of the students. The verb after “each of” stays singular: Each of the students is ready.

Is “every” always singular?

Yes. “Every” is always followed by a singular noun and a singular verb: Every house has a garden. Even when “every” refers to a large group, the grammar remains singular. The same applies to “every one of,” which takes a plural noun but a singular verb.

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

“All” refers to the whole group as a unit and is used with plural nouns (or uncountable nouns): All the students are here. “Every” considers the members of the group one by one and is used with singular nouns: Every student is here. The meaning is similar, but the grammar and emphasis are different.

Can “each” and “every” be used with uncountable nouns?

No. “Each” and “every” need countable nouns because they refer to individual members. For uncountable nouns, use “all”: All the water is gone, not each water. This is an important distinction to remember when talking about things like time, money, or information.