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.
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12/15/20242 min read
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'
_____ person in the room must sign the attendance sheet.
I visit my grandmother _____ week.
The teacher gave a book to _____ student in the class.
_____ employee in the company gets a free lunch every Friday.
She smiled at _____ customer who entered the store.
We walked _____ day through the park during our vacation.
_____ item in the list must be checked before submission.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct option
Every / Each of the volunteers received a certificate for their hard work.
Every / Each person in the room stood up when the speaker entered.
We meet for lunch every / each Wednesday.
Every / Each country in the world has a different culture.
Every / Each time I go to the store, I buy a new book.
Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes
Each employee must follow the rules of the company strictly.
Every of the guests enjoyed the party.
I go to the gym each day to stay fit.
Each student in the class is required to do the homework.
Every of the children brought their toys to the party.
