Whether you’re just embarking on your English-learning journey or need a refresher, knowing the difference between each vs. every is crucial. If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick explanation: You should use “each” to describe singular things within a group of two or more, while “every” is three or more things in an entire group.
Need some more clarification? Read on to learn the difference between “each” and “every” in greater detail, along with some helpful examples to nail your next assignment.
What Is Each?
Each is a commonly used pronoun used to identify a person or thing within a group of two or more. Instead of describing the entire group, you use “each” to pinpoint something individually.
Fun Fact: Each is derived from the Old English word ælc, which means “any.”
How to Correctly Use Each
As mentioned earlier, “each” refers to a person or thing within a group individually. In other words, it identifies single items within a group or individual members of the group. The emphasis is on separation rather than the entire group.
There are very specific cases when you use each vs. every in everyday conversations—still confused? Here are some examples and rules to follow.
Rule#1 – Each + Singular Countable Noun
One of the most common uses for “each” is when in conjunction with a singular noun. In these instances, “each” refers to a single thing or person within a group.
Examples:
- Each bird has its own nest.
- The ladies are cleaning each chair in the auditorium.
- Each luggage has a tag.
Rule#2 – Each + One
Another common usage for each is when using the pronoun “one” You should use the each + one structure to describe an individual with an emphasis on the distinction.
Examples
- Each one of the sandwiches is delicious.
- Each one of the players is talented.
- Each one of the newsletters bounced back.
- Each one of us is human.
Rule#3 – Each of + Determiner + Plural Noun
You should use this structure when referring to single members of a group. Some of the most commonly used determiners in the “each of + determiner + plural noun” rule include “your,” “my,” “those,” “these,” and “the.”
Examples:
- He offered bread to each of the ducks.
- Each of the participants received a trophy.
- Each of the pencils was blue.
- Each of the lessons appeared in the test.
- Each of the native speakers has a different opinion about using the words “each” and “every.”
Tip: In this rule, you should always pair it with a singular verb, as a plural verb is an informal use.
Rule#4 – Each of + Pronoun
Use this structure when you want to talk about a single item or individual in a group. You can use nearly all pronouns for this structure. Some of the most common include “you,” “us,” and “them.” Whatever you use, remember that after “each of + pronoun” should be a singular verb or a verb in singular form.
Examples:
- He gave each of us ice cream and $2 pocket money.
- Each of them showed up to work on time.
- Each of you will receive a small gift at the end of the course.
Rule#5 – Auxiliary Verb/to Be + Each
Another common grammatical structure of “each” is when it’s preceded by an auxiliary verb such as “to be, ” to have,” “to do,” or “will.”
Examples:
- They have each told me their reasons, but I still don’t believe them.
- I am selling five antique vases, and they are each worth around $1,000-$3000.
Rule#6 – Object + Each
This might be a less commonly used form, but it’s still important to know. When you follow a plural object of a sentence immediately with each, you’re separating the group.
Examples:
- My articles are worth $100 each.
- I gave my students each a perfect grade.
Tip: This structure often uses a noun object that is an amount.
What Is Every?
“Every” is closely related to “each” in terms of definition, usage, and etymology. However, unlike “each,” you should use “every” to describe all members of a group.
Fun Fact: FIt’s derived from the Old English words æfre ælc, which mean “each of a group.”
How to Correctly Use Every
There are fewer examples of when to use every when compared to each. Here are some specific rules for using “every” correctly, along with examples so you can better understand how to use “every” correctly.
Rule#1 – Every + Singular Noun
The most common format for this word is “every + singular noun.” This structure is when your statement or sentence refers to every group member. However, you have to use a countable noun for it to make sense grammatically.
Examples:
- Every doctor must go to school.
- He gets up at 5:00 every morning.
- Every student must attend class.
Rule# 2 – Every + Number + Plural Noun
You should use this structure when referring to a countable number of items within a group. Remember that this rule typically describes the frequency of something or regular intervals and periods of time.
Examples:
- Every 10 minutes, my alarm goes off.
- Every day, she spends 2 hours at the gym.
- Every Saturday, he goes to the mall.
Tip: You don’t use “every” with small numbers. For instance, Every one of my parents hated him. This is incorrect.
What Is the Difference Between Each and Every
The most important distinction between each and every is that you should use “each” to describe individual components or things of a group, while “every” is for things or people collectively as a group. Another difference is that you should only use adverbs like almost and nearly with “every.”
Amazingly, neither is used with uncountable nouns.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to use each vs. every will make your English grammar more precise and more accurate. Remember, the correct use for “each” is when you describe individual things from a group of two or more, while “every” is the collective whole of a group of three or more things.
What if you are referring to a whole group? You use the word “all,” like all elephants or all sharks. When in doubt, you should use “all” to refer to the total number of people, animals, and objects.
Hopefully, before the end of the semester, you’ve already mastered these two confusing words.
