Every vs. Each: Understanding the Difference

In English, the words every and each are both used to refer to individual items in a group, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between them will help you use them correctly in sentences.

Every: Referring to All Members of a Group

Every is used when you want to talk about all the items in a group or category, but you see them as a whole, not individually. It's used when we refer to all members of a group, and it often suggests a regular pattern or frequency.

• Every is used with singular countable nouns.

• It emphasizes the idea of "all," without focusing on specific individuals.

Examples of Every:

• Every student in the class passed the exam. (All students as a group)

• I go to the gym every day. (Frequency)

• Every child should have access to education. (All children considered as a whole group)

• Every employee must attend the meeting. (Refers to all employees)

Each: Referring to Individuals

Each refers to individual items or people in a group. It emphasizes the individual member of a group, even though you are talking about the group as a whole. Each is often used when you want to focus on one thing at a time, but still, consider it as part of the larger group.

• Each is used with singular countable nouns.

• It emphasizes the individual as part of a group.

Examples of Each:

• Each student was given a textbook. (Individual students)

• She gave each of us a gift. (Focusing on each person separately)

• Each employee has a specific role in the company. (Individual focus within the group)

• He looked at each picture on the wall. (Considering pictures individually)

Key Differences Between Every and Each

• Every: Used when thinking about all items in a group as a whole.

• Each: Used when emphasizing individual items or people in a group.

Summary

• Use every when you want to talk about all things in a group as one complete idea or entity.

• Use each when you want to emphasize the individuality of the items or people in a group.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with 'every' or 'each'

1. _____ person in the room must sign the attendance sheet.

2. I visit my grandmother _____ week.

3. The teacher gave a book to _____ student in the class.

4. _____ employee in the company gets a free lunch every Friday.

5. She smiled at _____ customer who entered the store.

6. We walked _____ day through the park during our vacation.

7. _____ item in the list must be checked before submission.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct option

1. Every / Each of the volunteers received a certificate for their hard work.

2. Every / Each person in the room stood up when the speaker entered.

3. We meet for lunch every / each Wednesday.

4. Every / Each country in the world has a different culture.

5. Every / Each time I go to the store, I buy a new book.

Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes

1. Each employee must follow the rules of the company strictly.

2. Every of the guests enjoyed the party.

3. I go to the gym each day to stay fit.

4. Each student in the class is required to do the homework.

5. Every of the children brought their toys to the party.