When to Use Each and Every with Rules and Examples
Understanding the difference between each and every is important for using English accurately. Both words are common in school exams, competitive tests, and daily English. Choosing the right word will help you write better sentences and avoid mistakes in spoken and written English.
| Word | Main Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Each | Individual items in a group | Each student received a gift. |
| Every | All items in a group, as a whole | Every student must attend the meeting. |
Difference Between Each and Every: Grammar and Usage
The difference between each and every is that each refers to individual members of a group, while every refers to the whole group together. Both work with singular nouns but they are not always interchangeable. Understanding this helps in exams and confident English speaking.
Meaning and Usage of "Each"
Each is used when you want to focus on members of a group one by one. It shows individuality. "Each" is used for groups of two or more, and always followed by a singular noun and verb.
Examples of "Each" in Sentences
- Each player got a medal.
- She read each chapter carefully.
- Each of the cookies is tasty.
- I gave each student a worksheet.
Meaning and Usage of "Every"
Every is used when you speak about all the members of a group, but as a collective. It is used with groups of three or more. "Every" is always followed by a singular noun and singular verb.
Examples of "Every" in Sentences
- Every child needs love.
- I brush my teeth every morning.
- Every book here is new.
- She attends every class on time.
Comparative Table: Each vs Every
| Aspect | Each | Every |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Individual items, one by one | All items as a group |
| Minimum Number | Two or more | Three or more |
| Noun & Verb Form | Singular noun + Singular verb | Singular noun + Singular verb |
| Example | Each boy has a pen. | Every boy has a pen. |
| Interchangeable? | Sometimes (not always) | Sometimes (not always) |
Rules and Common Mistakes with Each and Every
- Use singular nouns (each student, every day).
- Use singular verbs (each is, every has).
- Never use with plural nouns (not: each students, every dogs).
- For two items, use each (not every).
- Don't use each and every for uncountable nouns.
- Learn more about subject-verb agreement.
Using "Each of" vs "Every one of"
"Each of" is used before plural nouns or pronouns (each of the students, each of them). "Every one of" is often followed by plural but refers to individuals in the group (every one of the answers is correct). Both take singular verbs. Example: Each of the cars is new. Every one of the children likes ice cream.
Use in Indian English and Cultural Notes
In Indian English, students sometimes mix up each and every, especially in exams. Remember: use each for specific focus (each festival day is special), and every for overall routine (every year we celebrate Diwali). This is important for CBSE and competitive exams.
Practice Exercises: Choosing Each or Every
- ______ (Each/Every) child in the group got a balloon.
- I go for a walk ______ (each/every) morning.
- She talked to ______ (each/every) student separately.
- ______ (Each/Every) of the books is clean.
- ______ (Each/Every) month brings new challenges.
Answers: 1. Each 2. Every 3. Each 4. Each 5. Every
Quick Internal Links for Practice and Reference
- Determiners in English
- Subject-Verb Concord
- Parts of Speech
- Collective Nouns
- Difference Between Has and Have
- Determiners Exercises for Class 10
Summary of the Difference Between Each and Every
Each and every are important words for talking about groups in English. Remember: use "each" for individual focus and "every" for the whole group. At Vedantu, we help you master these grammar points for school exams and real-life English. Practice using both to improve your grammar and confidence.
FAQs on Difference Between Each and Every in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between each and every?
The main difference between each and every is that each focuses on individual items separately, while every refers to all items in a group collectively.
- Each emphasizes one by one: Each student received a certificate.
- Every emphasizes the whole group: Every student received a certificate.
- Both are used with singular countable nouns.
2. When should I use each instead of every?
Use each when you want to highlight individuals separately within a group.
- It is common when the group is small or specific: Each child was given a toy.
- It can be used after the noun: The students each received a prize.
- It is often used when thinking about people or things one by one.
3. When should I use every instead of each?
Use every when referring to all members of a group as a whole.
- It is common with larger groups: Every house on the street was decorated.
- It suggests completeness or totality.
- It cannot be used after the noun (not: The students every received).
4. Are each and every singular or plural?
Each and every are grammatically singular and take singular nouns and verbs.
- Correct: Each student is ready.
- Correct: Every book has a cover.
- Incorrect: Each students are ready.
5. Can each and every be used with plural nouns?
Each and every are used with singular countable nouns, not plural nouns.
- Correct: Each student passed.
- Correct: Every student passed.
- Incorrect: Each students passed.
- Exception: Each of the students passed (followed by plural noun with "of").
6. What is the meaning of each of and every one of?
Each of and every one of are used before plural nouns or pronouns to refer to individuals in a group.
- Each of the players was tired.
- Every one of the answers is correct.
- Both take a singular verb.
7. Can we use each and every in the same sentence?
Yes, each and every can be used together for emphasis in English grammar.
- Example: Each and every student must submit the form.
- This structure adds strong emphasis on all individuals.
- It is common in formal or persuasive writing.
8. What is the difference between each and every in meaning and emphasis?
Each emphasizes individuality, while every emphasizes completeness or total inclusion.
- Each focuses on members separately.
- Every focuses on the group as a whole.
- Both imply all members, but with slightly different perspectives.
9. What are common mistakes when using each and every?
A common mistake is using plural nouns or plural verbs with each and every.
- Incorrect: Every students are here.
- Correct: Every student is here.
- Incorrect: Each of the players are ready.
- Correct: Each of the players is ready.
10. Can each and every be used with uncountable nouns?
Each and every are generally not used with uncountable nouns because they require singular countable nouns.
- Incorrect: Each water is clean.
- Correct alternative: Every drop of water is clean.
- They are mainly used with countable nouns like student, book, or day.
