Each VS Every | Differences, Examples, Rules and More

Many English learners feel confused about each vs every. Both words talk about people or things in a group, but they are not always interchangeable.

The good news? Once you understand the focus and rules, the difference becomes very easy.

In this guide, you will learn:

  • The meaning of each and every

  • The grammar rules

  • A clear Each vs Every comparison chart

  • Real-life examples

  • Exercises with answers for practice

This article is ideal for:

  • Students and ESL learners

  • Competitive exam preparation

  • Writers who want clear and correct English

What Does “Each” Mean?

Definition of “Each”

Each refers to individual items in a group, considered one by one.

The focus is on separate members, not the group as a whole.

Simple meaning:

Each = one at a time

Grammar Rules for “Each”

  • Used with singular nouns

  • Takes a singular verb

  • Can appear before a noun or after the subject

Structure examples:

  • Each student has a book.

  • The students each have a book.

Examples of “Each”

  • Each child received a gift.

  • Each employee must wear an ID card.

  • The teachers each explained the lesson clearly.

What Does “Every” Mean?

Definition of “Every”

Every refers to all members of a group together.

The focus is on the entire group, not individuals separately.

Simple meaning:

Every = all without exception

Grammar Rules for “Every”

  • Used with singular nouns

  • Takes a singular verb

  • Cannot be used after the subject

Correct structure:

  • Every student is present.
    Students every are present (incorrect)

Examples of “Every”

  • Every student must attend the class.

  • I exercise every morning.

  • Every country has its own culture.

Read also more related topics: Either VS Any

Either vs Too

Either VS Both

Neither vs Nor

Neither VS None

What Is the Difference Between Each and Every?

This is the most important section of the topic.

Key Difference Explained Simply

WordFocus
EachIndividual members
EveryGroup as a whole

Same Sentence, Different Meaning

  • Each student got a prize.
    Focus on students one by one

  • Every student got a prize.
    Focus on the entire class together

Each vs Every Comparison Chart

FeatureEachEvery
MeaningIndividual focusGroup focus
Noun typeSingularSingular
Verb formSingularSingular
EmphasisOne by oneAll together
Sentence positionBefore/after subjectBefore noun only
ExampleEach boy is readyEvery boy is ready

Each and Every Rule (Exam-Friendly)

Rules for Using “Each”

  • Used for two or more people/things

  • Can be used with pronouns

  • Emphasizes individual attention

Example:
Each of the players was rewarded.

Rules for Using “Every”

  • Used for three or more items

  • Common with time expressions

  • Shows routine or frequency

Example:
She checks her email every day.

Important Grammar Note

Even though both words talk about many people,
They always use a singular verb.

Common Mistakes with Each and Every

Wrong: Each students are happy
Right: Each student is happy

Wrong: Every teachers are present
Right: Every teacher is present

Wrong: Students every passed
Right: Every student passed

Examples of Each and Every (Beginner to Advanced)

Basic Examples

  • Each flower is beautiful.

  • Every child loves stories.

Intermediate Examples

  • Each member of the team has a role.

  • Every machine needs maintenance.

Advanced Examples

  • Each applicant was evaluated separately.

  • Every organization follows certain rules.

Exercises of Each and Every

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. ___ student must submit the form.

  2. The players ___ received a medal.

  3. I go for a walk ___ evening.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Option

  1. ___ of the answers is correct.
    a) Each
    b) Every

  2. ___ country has its own laws.
    a) Each
    b) Every

Answers

  1. Every

  2. Each

  3. Every

Each vs Every in Real-Life English

  • Spoken English: Both are common

  • Written English: Every is more formal

  • Exams: Rules matter a lot

 

Quick Tips to Remember Each vs Every

  • Use each when thinking one by one

  • Use every when thinking all together

  • Both take singular verbs

  • When unsure, ask: Am I focusing on individuals or the group?

FAQs: Each vs Every

Can each and every be used together?

Yes. Example: Each and every student was informed.

Is “every” plural in meaning?

Yes in meaning, but singular in grammar.

Which is correct: each student are or is?

Each student is

Conclusion: Mastering Each vs Every

Understanding each vs every becomes easy when you focus on meaning and emphasis.
Practice with examples and exercises, and soon the difference will feel natural. Clear grammar leads to confident communication

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