Grammar, compared
Each vs every
Each looks at members of a group one by one. Every looks at the group as a whole, as a general rule.
Book a trial classThe short answer
| Each | Every |
|---|---|
| Each student got a certificate. (one by one, individually) | Every student passed the exam. (as a group, a general fact) |
| Each of us has a different opinion. (individual focus) | Every person needs rest. (a general rule, no exceptions) |
| Check each file before sending. (one at a time) | Every file was checked. (the whole group, as a fact) |
Which one to use
| Point | Each | Every |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Individual members, one by one | The group as a whole, a general rule |
| With small numbers | Natural with two or a small group | Less natural with just two |
| Followed by | each of + plural, or each + singular noun | every + singular noun |
| Example | Each of the students answered differently. | Every student answered the same way. |
Watch out if you speak Spanish
- Cada in Spanish covers both, so the test in English is: am I thinking of them one by one (each), or as a general rule (every)?
- Each works with two: each of the two options has a cost. Every usually needs three or more to sound natural.
- Each of is followed by a plural noun plus a singular verb: each of the files was checked.
- Every combines with time words for routines: every day, every Monday, every time.
Practice
Grammar practice
Choose or type the answer for each sentence, then check.
0 of 8 checked
Questions
- Can I use each with every?
- Not together, but you can emphasize with each and every: each and every student must attend. It's more emphatic, used in formal or persuasive writing.
- Does every work with two things?
- It's unusual. For two, each sounds more natural: each of the two plans has pros and cons.
Keep going
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