Grammar
A2–B2
7 min read
Updated 13 June 2026
Quick answer: Every = all members of a group viewed together as a whole. Each = individual members of a group considered one by one. Both take a singular verb and a singular noun, but the difference in focus matters for naturalness and, in some contexts, grammar.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Focus | Example |
|---|
| every | determiner | all members of a group viewed as a whole | Every student passed the exam. |
| each | determiner / pronoun | individual members of a group, one by one | Each student received a certificate. |
When to Use Every
Use every when you are thinking about all the members of a group together — emphasising that no member is excluded. Every is more general and is used to make sweeping statements about a group as a whole. It can only be used as a determiner (before a noun), not as a pronoun.
Every child in the class has a textbook.
She goes to the gym every day.
Every seat was taken when we arrived.
He makes the same mistake every time.
Every country in the EU has signed the agreement.
When to Use Each
Use each when you are thinking of individual members of a group separately — one by one, with attention to each member. Each can be used as both a determiner (before a noun) and a pronoun (in place of a noun). It is typically used with smaller, more countable groups where individuality is relevant.
Each student received a personalised report.
The manager spoke to each employee individually.
Each of the three answers was wrong.
They were given a bag each. (pronoun, after noun)
The twins are different from each other.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Every | Each |
|---|
| Focus | Group as a whole | Individual members one by one |
| Use as pronoun | No | Yes — each of them, they got one each |
| Minimum group size | Usually 3 or more | Can be 2 — each side of the street |
| With "of" | Less natural — every one of is possible but formal | Very natural — each of the students |
| Frequency expressions | Yes — every day, every week | No — each day is unusual |
| Verb agreement | Singular — every dog is | Singular — each dog is |
| Interchangeable? | Often yes, but each implies more individuality; every implies completeness |
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1 — using "each" for frequency
✗ She exercises each day without fail.
✓ She exercises every day without fail.
Frequency expressions (each day, each week, each year) sound unnatural. Use every instead.
Mistake 2 — using "every" as a pronoun
✗ I gave every of the children a gift.
✓ I gave each of the children a gift.
Every cannot be followed directly by of. Use each of or every one of.
Mistake 3 — plural verb after "every" or "each"
✗ Every student have submitted their work.
✓ Every student has submitted their work.
Both every and each take a singular verb, even when referring to many people.
Memory Tip
Mnemonic: Think of Every = “Entire group” and Each = “Examining individuals.” If you are making a general statement that sweeps across the whole group, choose every. If you are pausing to look at — or hand something to — each member individually, choose each. Another test: can you replace the word with each one separately? If yes, use each. Can you replace it with all without exception? Use every.
Mini-Quiz: Every or Each?
Fill in the blank with every or each.
1. The teacher gave _____ student a different question.
Answer: each — individual attention, one by one.
2. _____ morning she drinks a glass of water before breakfast.
Answer: every — frequency expression, habitual action.
3. _____ of the candidates was interviewed separately.
Answer: each — only each can precede of directly.
4. Not _____ student finds grammar easy.
Answer: every — negation with not every is the standard pattern.
5. The children were given a balloon _____ .
Answer: each — used as a pronoun after the noun, meaning “one apiece.”
10 Example Sentences
- Every door in the building was locked.
- Each member of the team introduced themselves.
- The bus comes every fifteen minutes.
- She read each page carefully before signing.
- Every country has its own traditions.
- The twins received a prize each.
- Every single vote will be counted.
- Each of the three options has advantages.
- He calls his parents every Sunday evening.
- The coach spoke to each player before the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between every and each?
Every refers to all members of a group viewed as a complete whole — emphasising that no exception exists. Each refers to individual members of a group considered one at a time — emphasising separate identity. Both take a singular verb and a singular noun. Example: "Every student passed" (all of them, as a group) vs "Each student received individual feedback" (one by one).
Can every and each be used interchangeably?
In many sentences both work: "Every child / Each child needs care." However, they are not always interchangeable. Only each can be used as a pronoun (each of them, one each). Only every is used in frequency expressions (every day, every week — not "each day"). Each is more natural when you are imagining items one by one; every is more natural for sweeping generalisations.
Which one do I use with "of" — every or each?
Use each of directly before a pronoun or definite noun phrase: "each of the students," "each of them." Every cannot be directly followed by of — "every of" is incorrect. The correct construction is "every one of" (formal/emphatic): "Every one of the answers was wrong." For everyday use, "each of" is simpler and more common.
Do every and each take a singular or plural verb?
Both every and each take a singular verb. "Every student has a book." "Each student has a book." This is a common mistake for learners, especially when the group is large. Even "every 100 people" takes a singular verb: "Every 100 people is represented by one delegate." Note: in informal spoken English, a plural pronoun is often used afterwards: "Each student should do their own work" — this is now widely accepted.
Can each be used with two items? Can every?
Each can be used with as few as two items: "each side of the road," "each hand," "each player in the pair." Every is normally used for three or more items — using every with just two sounds unnatural: "every side of the road" is odd. This is one practical test: if there are only two members in the group, prefer each.
Is "each other" or "every other" correct?
"Each other" is the reciprocal pronoun: "They helped each other" (= person A helped B and B helped A). "Every other" means "alternating" or "every second": "She visits every other week" (= every two weeks). These are completely different phrases with different meanings — they cannot be swapped. "They helped every other" would be incorrect in this context.
How do I use "each" as a pronoun?
Each can stand alone as a pronoun in three positions. Before of: "Each of the students passed." After a noun or pronoun: "The students each passed" or "They each passed." At the end of a clause: "The children got a sticker each." Every cannot be used in any of these positions — it always needs to come immediately before a noun.
Why can't I say "each day" for a habit?
"Each day" is not ungrammatical, but it is unusual in everyday English when describing a habit or routine. Native speakers almost always use "every day" for frequency: "I walk every day," "every morning," "every week." "Each day" sounds more literary or formal, and can imply you are distinguishing one day from another. Stick with "every" for habits and time expressions.
What does "not every" vs "not each" mean?
"Not every" is the natural construction for partial negation: "Not every student passed" (= some did, some did not). "Not each" is less common but possible in certain formal contexts. Avoid "every ... not" (calque from other languages): "Every student did not pass" is ambiguous in English and should be rewritten as "Not every student passed" or "No student passed" depending on the meaning intended.
Is "every single" more emphatic than "every"?
Yes. "Every single" is an emphatic form of "every" that stresses the completeness or exhaustiveness — often with surprise or emotion: "Every single seat was taken!" / "She reads every single email." It is informal and conversational. "Each and every" is another emphatic form (more formal): "Each and every student must attend." Both are correct but should not be overused — save them for situations where you want to underline that truly no exception exists.