Each vs. Every: Mastering the Nuances of English Grammar

Understanding the subtle differences between “each” and “every” is crucial for mastering English grammar. These words, while similar, carry distinct meanings that affect how we describe groups and individuals.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to these concepts, offering definitions, examples, and practical exercises to help you confidently use “each” and “every” in your writing and speech. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an English enthusiast, this guide will clarify the nuances of these important words.

This article is designed to benefit English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to differentiate between “each” and “every” with ease, improving your overall accuracy and fluency in English.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Each and Every
• Structural Breakdown
• Types or Categories
• Examples of Each and Every
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Each and Every

Both “each” and “every” are determiners used to refer to all the members of a group. However, they emphasize different aspects of the group.

Understanding these differences is key to using them correctly.

Each

Each refers to individual members of a group, considered separately. It emphasizes individuality and often implies a smaller, more manageable group. “Each” can be used as a determiner before a singular noun or as a pronoun.

Every

Every refers to all members of a group collectively, without exception. It emphasizes the totality of the group and often implies a larger, less manageable group. “Every” is always used as a determiner before a singular noun.

Structural Breakdown

The grammatical structure surrounding “each” and “every” is important for correct usage. Here’s a breakdown of how to use them in sentences.

Each + Singular Noun

“Each” is often followed by a singular noun. This structure emphasizes the individual nature of each member of the group.

For example: “Each student received a certificate.”

Each of + Plural Noun/Pronoun

“Each of” is followed by a plural noun or pronoun. This structure still emphasizes individual members but acknowledges that they are part of a larger group.

For example: “Each of the students received a certificate.”

Every + Singular Noun

“Every” is always followed by a singular noun. This structure emphasizes the group as a whole.

For example: “Every student received a certificate.” It’s grammatically incorrect to say “Every students.”

Types or Categories

While the basic definitions remain constant, “each” and “every” can be used in different contexts and with slight variations in meaning.

Distributive Each

This is the most common use of “each,” where it distributes an action or quality to individual members of a group. For example, “The teacher gave each child a book.”

Reciprocal Each

In some cases, “each” can indicate a reciprocal action, meaning that members of a group are acting upon each other. This typically requires additional context.

For example, “The countries signed a treaty with each other,” where “each other” implies a mutual agreement.

Emphatic Every

“Every” can be used emphatically to stress the inclusiveness of a group. For example, “Every single person in the room was amazed.”

Quantifying Every

“Every” can also be used to quantify frequency or intervals. For example, “The bus comes every hour.”

Examples of Each and Every

The best way to understand the difference between “each” and “every” is through examples. The following tables provide numerous examples in various contexts.

Table 1: Each vs. Every – General Examples

This table illustrates the basic usage of “each” and “every” in simple sentences.

Sentence with “Each”	Sentence with “Every”
Each participant received a medal.	Every participant received a medal.
Each room has its own bathroom.	Every room has its own bathroom.
Each employee is responsible for their work.	Every employee is responsible for their work.
Each house on the street is unique.	Every house on the street is unique.
Each member of the team contributed.	Every member of the team contributed.
Each day brings new challenges.	Every day brings new challenges.
Each child received a toy.	Every child received a toy.
Each book was carefully selected.	Every book was carefully selected.
Each tree in the forest is important.	Every tree in the forest is important.
Each customer is valued.	Every customer is valued.
Each question requires careful thought.	Every question requires careful thought.
Each answer was accurate.	Every answer was accurate.
Each student has a desk.	Every student has a desk.
Each car is inspected.	Every car is inspected.
Each person has a name.	Every person has a name.
Each country has its own flag.	Every country has its own flag.
Each citizen has rights.	Every citizen has rights.
Each project is reviewed.	Every project is reviewed.
Each task is completed.	Every task is completed.
Each lesson is important.	Every lesson is important.
Each attempt was valuable.	Every attempt was valuable.
Each effort counts.	Every effort counts.
Each moment matters.	Every moment matters.
Each step is crucial.	Every step is crucial.
Each detail is significant.	Every detail is significant.

Table 2: Each of vs. Every – Examples

This table highlights the usage of “each of” followed by a plural noun or pronoun, compared to “every.”

Sentence with “Each of”	Sentence with “Every”
Each of the students has a book.	Every student has a book.
Each of the participants received a prize.	Every participant received a prize.
Each of the rooms was clean.	Every room was clean.
Each of the employees received a bonus.	Every employee received a bonus.
Each of the houses was decorated.	Every house was decorated.
Each of the team members contributed.	Every team member contributed.
Each of us has a responsibility.	Every person has a responsibility.
Each of them received a gift.	Every one received a gift.
Each of the cars was inspected.	Every car was inspected.
Each of the countries has its own culture.	Every country has its own culture.
Each of the citizens has rights.	Every citizen has rights.
Each of the projects was reviewed.	Every project was reviewed.
Each of the tasks was completed.	Every task was completed.
Each of the lessons was important.	Every lesson was important.
Each of the attempts was valuable.	Every attempt was valuable.
Each of the efforts counts.	Every effort counts.
Each of the moments matters.	Every moment matters.
Each of the steps is crucial.	Every step is crucial.
Each of the details is significant.	Every detail is significant.
Each of the applicants was qualified.	Every applicant was qualified.
Each of the documents was signed.	Every document was signed.
Each of the items was accounted for.	Every item was accounted for.
Each of the solutions was effective.	Every solution was effective.
Each of the methods was tested.	Every method was tested.
Each of the strategies was successful.	Every strategy was successful.

Table 3: “Each” and “Every” with Time and Frequency

This table demonstrates how “each” and “every” can be used to express time and frequency.

Sentence with “Each”	Sentence with “Every”
Each time I see him, he’s smiling.	The bus comes every hour.
Each year, we celebrate our anniversary.	We have a meeting every week.
Each morning, I drink coffee.	I go to the gym every day.
Each visit is a pleasure.	He calls me every month.
Each occasion is special.	She travels every year.
Each game is exciting.	They practice every evening.
Each lesson builds on the previous one.	The store is open every weekend.
Each phase is important.	The train arrives every 30 minutes.
Each stage of the project is monitored.	The event happens every spring.
Each chapter reveals new information.	The publication is released every quarter.
Each attempt brings me closer to success.	The class meets every Tuesday.
Each try improves my skills.	The show airs every Friday.
Each performance is unique.	The festival occurs every summer.
Each run improves my stamina.	The update is released every month.
Each cycle repeats itself.	The election is held every four years.
Each course is challenging.	The concert takes place every Saturday.
Each shift is demanding.	The market is open every Sunday.
Each round is competitive.	The conference is held every autumn.
Each segment is informative.	The competition runs every year.
Each part is essential.	The series airs every Thursday .
Each set is unique.	The program is broadcast every night.
Each series builds on the last.	The report is published every January.
Each episode is engaging.	The sale happens every Black Friday.
Each segment is crucial.	The workshop is offered every other week.
Each module is interactive.	The fair is held every August.

Table 4: “Each” as a pronoun

This table demonstrates how “each” can be used as a pronoun.

Sentence	Explanation
The students each received a prize.	“Each” refers back to the students and acts as a pronoun.
They each have their own opinion.	“Each” refers back to “They” and acts as a pronoun.
We each contributed to the project.	“Each” refers back to “We” and acts as a pronoun.
The players each gave their best effort.	“Each” refers back to “The players” and acts as a pronoun.
The countries each signed the agreement.	“Each” refers back to “The countries” and acts as a pronoun.
The members each voted on the proposal.	“Each” refers back to “The members” and acts as a pronoun.
The team members each had a role to play.	“Each” refers back to “The team members” and acts as a pronoun.
The leaders each presented a strategy.	“Each” refers back to “The leaders” and acts as a pronoun.
The departments each met their goals.	“Each” refers back to “The departments” and acts as a pronoun.
The branches each reported their earnings.	“Each” refers back to “The branches” and acts as a pronoun.
The family members each brought a dish.	“Each” refers back to “The family members” and acts as a pronoun.
The neighbors each decorated their homes.	“Each” refers back to “The neighbors” and acts as a pronoun.
The classmates each completed the assignment.	“Each” refers back to “The classmates” and acts as a pronoun.
The colleagues each contributed their expertise.	“Each” refers back to “The colleagues” and acts as a pronoun.
The participants each shared their experiences.	“Each” refers back to “The participants” and acts as a pronoun.
The candidates each presented their platforms.	“Each” refers back to “The candidates” and acts as a pronoun.
The artists each displayed their work.	“Each” refers back to “The artists” and acts as a pronoun.
The musicians each performed a solo.	“Each” refers back to “The musicians” and acts as a pronoun.
The authors each signed copies of their books.	“Each” refers back to “The authors” and acts as a pronoun.
The speakers each delivered a powerful message.	“Each” refers back to “The speakers” and acts as a pronoun.
The judges each gave their scores.	“Each” refers back to “The judges” and acts as a pronoun.
The reviewers each provided feedback.	“Each” refers back to “The reviewers” and acts as a pronoun.
The critics each shared their perspectives.	“Each” refers back to “The critics” and acts as a pronoun.
The commentators each analyzed the game.	“Each” refers back to “The commentators” and acts as a pronoun.

Usage Rules

Several rules govern the proper usage of “each” and “every.” Adhering to these rules ensures grammatical accuracy.

Singular Noun after Every

“Every” must always be followed by a singular noun. This is a strict rule with no exceptions. Correct: “Every student is important.” Incorrect: “Every students are important.”

Singular Verb Agreement

When using “each” or “every” followed by a singular noun, the verb must be singular. For example: “Each student has a book.” “Every student is present.”

“Each” can stand alone

“Each” can be used as a pronoun, replacing a noun phrase. For example, instead of saying “The students each have a book,” you can say “They each have a book.” “Every” cannot be used this way.

Focus on Individuality vs. Totality

Use “each” when you want to emphasize individual members of a group. Use “every” when you want to emphasize the entire group as a whole.

Consider Group Size

While not a hard rule, “each” is often more appropriate for smaller groups, while “every” is better suited for larger groups. For example, “Each of the three children received a gift” sounds more natural than “Every of the three children received a gift.”

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes arise when using “each” and “every.” Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.

Incorrect Plural Noun after Every

Incorrect: Every students are required to attend.
Correct: Every student is required to attend.

Incorrect Verb Agreement with Each

Incorrect: Each student have a different opinion.
Correct: Each student has a different opinion.

Using “Every of”

Incorrect: Every of the students participated.
Correct: Each of the students participated. OR Every student participated.

Confusing Individuality and Totality

Less Precise: Every child received individual attention.
More Precise: Each child received individual attention. (Because the emphasis is on the individual attention given to each child.)

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “each” and “every” with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with “each” or “every.”

Question	Answer
1. ______ student must bring their ID.	Every
2. ______ of the team members contributed to the project.	Each
3. I go to the gym ______ day.	Every
4. ______ person has a unique fingerprint.	Each
5. ______ time I visit, I learn something new.	Each
6. ______ employee is entitled to vacation time.	Every
7. ______ of the books was carefully chosen.	Each
8. The bus arrives ______ hour.	Every
9. ______ child received a balloon.	Each/Every
10. ______ citizen has the right to vote.	Every

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
1. Every students are required to attend.	Every student is required to attend.
2. Each of the student have a book.	Each of the students has a book.
3. Every of the participants received a prize.	Each of the participants received a prize. OR Every participant received a prize.
4. Each employee are responsible for their work.	Each employee is responsible for their work.
5. Each members of the team contributed.	Each member of the team contributed.
6. Every houses on the street are unique.	Every house on the street is unique.
7. Each of us have a different opinion.	Each of us has a different opinion.
8. Every time are special.	Every time is special.
9. Each person have unique characteristics.	Each person has unique characteristics.
10. Every countries have their own flag.	Every country has its own flag.

Exercise 3: Choose the Best Option

Select the best option (“each” or “every”) for the following sentences.

Question	Options	Answer
1. ______ guest received a welcome gift.	(a) Each (b) Every	(b) Every
2. ______ of the applicants was highly qualified.	(a) Each (b) Every	(a) Each
3. I check my email ______ hour.	(a) Each (b) Every	(b) Every
4. ______ participant in the study signed a consent form.	(a) Each (b) Every	(b) Every
5. ______ country has its own unique culture.	(a) Each (b) Every	(b) Every
6. The students ______ received a certificate.	(a) each (b) every	(a) each
7. ______ of the questions was challenging.	(a) Each (b) Every	(a) Each
8. The event happens ______ year.	(a) Each (b) Every	(b) Every
9. ______ member of the committee has a vote.	(a) Each (b) Every	(b) Every
10. The athletes ______ gave their best effort.	(a) each (b) every	(a) each

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of “each” and “every” in more complex contexts is essential.

Each with Compound Subjects

When “each” precedes a compound subject joined by “and,” the verb is usually singular. Example: “Each boy and girl was given a prize.”

Every with Collective Nouns

Even when a collective noun refers to a group, “every” still takes a singular verb. Example: “Every family is invited.”

Subtle Differences in Meaning

Sometimes, the choice between “each” and “every” can subtly alter the meaning of a sentence. “Each soldier followed the order” suggests individual compliance, while “Every soldier followed the order” emphasizes the overall obedience of the group.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about “each” and “every.”

1. Can I use “every of” instead of “each of”?

No, “every of” is grammatically incorrect. You should use “each of” when you want to refer to individual members of a group from a larger set.

Alternatively, you can simply use “every” followed by a singular noun.

2. Is it always necessary to use a singular noun after “every”?

Yes, “every” must always be followed by a singular noun. This is a fundamental rule of English grammar.

Using a plural noun after “every” is a common mistake that should be avoided.

3. When should I use “each” as a pronoun?

Use “each” as a pronoun when you want to refer back to a group of individuals and emphasize their individual actions or characteristics. For example, “The students each completed the assignment.”

4. Does the size of the group matter when choosing between “each” and “every”?

While it’s not a strict rule, “each” is often more appropriate for smaller groups, while “every” is better suited for larger groups. This is because “each” emphasizes individuality, which is more noticeable in smaller groups.

5. Can “every” be used with uncountable nouns?

No, “every” is typically used with countable nouns. To refer to all of an uncountable noun, you would use other quantifiers like “all” or “each bit of”.

6. What is the difference in nuance between “Each person” and “Every person”?

While the core meaning is similar, “each person” emphasizes the individual, separate existence and experience of each person. “Every person” emphasizes the entire group of people without exception.

For example, “Each person has their own story” highlights individual narratives, while “Every person deserves respect” stresses universal entitlement.

7. How do I remember the rule about singular nouns after “every”?

Think of “every” as meaning “each one.” Since “one” is singular, it makes sense that “every” is always followed by a singular noun. This association can help you remember the rule more easily.

8. Can “each” and “every” be used interchangeably?

While they are similar, they are not always interchangeable. “Every” emphasizes the group as a whole, while “each” emphasizes the individuals within the group.

Choose the word that best reflects the intended meaning of your sentence.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between “each” and “every” significantly enhances the precision and clarity of your English. Remember that “each” emphasizes individuality and can function as a pronoun, while “every” emphasizes totality and must be followed by a singular noun.

By understanding these key distinctions and practicing the rules, you can confidently use these words in your writing and speech.

Continue to practice with different examples and exercises to solidify your understanding. Pay attention to how native speakers use “each” and “every” in various contexts.

With consistent effort, you’ll master these subtle nuances and elevate your English proficiency.