Each and Every in English: Differences, Rules and Examples

Overview

Each and every are both used to refer to all members of a group, but they approach that group from different directions. Each focuses on the individual members one at a time, considering them separately. Every treats the members of a group as a collective whole, emphasizing that no exception exists. Both require a singular noun and a singular verb, and this agreement rule is one of the most consistent sources of error at the A2 level.

The practical difference between each and every is one of perspective rather than count. A sentence like each candidate was interviewed separately highlights the individual experience of every person in the group. A sentence like every candidate was interviewed makes a universal statement about the group as a whole with no exceptions. In many contexts the two words are interchangeable, but in others only one is natural.

Using Each

Each as a Determiner

When each is used as a determiner before a singular countable noun, it signals that every individual member of the group is being considered separately. The noun that follows must always be singular, and the verb must also be singular.

Each as a Pronoun

Each can also function as a pronoun, standing alone without a following noun when the noun has already been established or is understood from context. In this use, each still takes a singular verb.

Each of

When each is followed by of, it is used before a plural noun phrase or a plural pronoun with a determiner. The structure is each of + the / these / those / my / your + plural noun, or each of + plural pronoun. Despite the plural noun or pronoun, the verb remains singular.

Each in the Mid Position

Each can also appear after the subject in the mid position, following the subject pronoun or after the first auxiliary. This use is particularly common in informal English and with pronouns as subjects.

In this position each does not change the number of the verb, which agrees with the plural subject rather than with each.

Using Every

Every as a Determiner

Every is always used as a determiner before a singular countable noun. Unlike each, it cannot stand alone as a pronoun, and it cannot be followed directly by of in standard formal usage. The correct alternative is every one of. The noun and verb are always singular.

Every emphasises totality and universality. For this reason it is the preferred choice in universal statements, rules, and generalisations, where the focus is on the completeness of the group rather than on the individuals within it.

Every with Time Expressions

Every is used in time expressions to indicate regular repetition at a fixed interval. In this use it cannot be replaced by each. Common patterns include every day, every week, every Monday, every two hours, every other week, and every few months.

Every in Emphatic and Idiomatic Uses

Every appears in several fixed expressions and emphatic constructions where each is not used. These include every single, which adds strong emphasis, and every now and then or every so often, which describe irregular but recurring events.

When Each and Every Are Interchangeable

In many standard sentences, each and every can be used in place of each other without a meaningful difference in grammatical correctness or basic sense. Both are acceptable when the group has more than two members, when no time expression is involved, and when the emphasis on individual versus collective perspective is not critical to the meaning.

When the two are interchangeable, the choice is a matter of style. Each draws attention to individual members; every emphasises that no one is excluded.

Key Differences Between Each and Every

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using a Plural Noun or Plural Verb After Each or Every

Both each and every require a singular noun immediately after them and a singular verb. Using a plural noun or verb is the most frequent grammatical error at this level.

Mistake 2: Using Every of Instead of Each of or Every One of

Every cannot be followed directly by of in standard English. The correct constructions are each of + determiner + plural noun, or every one of + determiner + plural noun.

Mistake 3: Using Each in a Time Expression

Time expressions with regular intervals use every, not each. Substituting each in these constructions produces a non-standard sentence.

Mistake 4: Using a Plural Pronoun After a Singular Each Subject

When each is the subject of a clause, any subsequent pronouns must be singular. Using plural pronouns such as they or their after a singular each subject is grammatically inconsistent. In formal writing, the singular is required.

Mistake 5: Using Each and Every Together

Each and every are not combined before the same noun. They are always used separately. Stacking them produces a redundant and non-standard construction.

Mistake 6: Using Every for a Group of Two

Each is used naturally with a group of two. Every is unusual with a group of only two and is rarely used in this context in standard English.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Each or Every

Choose the correct word from the options in brackets.

1. (Each / Every) employee must complete the annual appraisal form by the stated deadline.
2. She submits a detailed progress update (each / every) two weeks to the project coordinator.
3. (Each / Every) of the five candidates was interviewed by two members of the selection panel.
4. (Each / Every) single application was reviewed before the shortlist was compiled and published.
5. The two proposals were circulated and (each / every) was assessed by the full committee.
6. (Each / Every) now and then, the director holds an informal session with the wider team.

Exercise 2: Correct the Error

Each sentence contains one error with each or every. Rewrite it correctly.

1. Each candidates must arrive at least fifteen minutes before the start of the session.
2. Every of the participants received a written summary of the key points covered that day.
3. She submits a brief report each three months to keep the committee informed of progress.
4. Each every member of the panel was given a copy of the evaluation criteria in advance.
5. Every candidate from the two finalists was asked to complete one additional written task.
6. Each of the documents need to be checked and signed before they are formally submitted.

Exercise 3: Rewrite Using Each of or Every One of

Rewrite each sentence using the structure indicated in brackets.

1. Every participant received a feedback form. (each of — use "the participants")
2. Each delegate was given a programme for the full event. (every one of — use "the delegates")
3. Every submission was reviewed by an independent assessor. (each of — use "the submissions")
4. Each team member completed a separate section of the final report. (every one of — use "the team members")

Exercise 4: Complete With the Correct Form

Fill in each blank with each, each of, every, or every one of.

1. ___ the applicants submitted before the deadline was contacted for a first interview.
2. She checks her messages ___ morning before the first scheduled meeting of the day.
3. ___ them had a different interpretation of the clause in the original agreement.
4. ___ question in the assessment must be answered in full to receive the maximum score.
5. The reports were distributed and ___ was filed in the appropriate section of the archive.
6. ___ the documents provided by the applicant must be verified before the process continues.

Summary

Each can stand alone as a pronoun and appears in the mid position after a subject pronoun. Every cannot. Time expressions always use every. When the emphasis is on the individual experience of group members, each is the more precise choice; when the emphasis is on universality with no exceptions, every is more natural.