Many English learners use each and every as if they mean the same thing. At first glance, this feels logical. Both words refer to individual members of a group. However, English uses them with different intentions. Because of this, choosing the wrong word can subtly change meaning, tone, and clarity. Understanding this difference helps learners write more precise and confident English.
The Core Difference Between Each and Every
The main distinction lies in focus. Each emphasizes individuals one by one, while every emphasizes the group as a complete whole. In other words, each isolates members, while every connects them. Because of this, context always matters more than memorized rules.
Meaning and Usage of Each
Each focuses on separate individuals within a group. It highlights individuality and often suggests personal attention or distinction.
You should prefer each when:
- The group is small or clearly defined
- Individual action or treatment matters
- Precision is more important than generalization
Examples:
- Each student received personalized feedback.
- The manager spoke to each employee privately.
In these sentences, the speaker intentionally slows down the idea. The focus stays on one person at a time.
Meaning and Usage of Every
Every treats individuals as part of a collective unit. It creates a broader, more general meaning and often suggests consistency, rules, or repetition.
You should prefer every when:
- The statement applies universally
- You describe habits, rules, or expectations
- Individual distinction is not important
Examples:
- Every student must submit the form.
- The office closes every Friday.
Here, the emphasis stays on the rule, not on the people separately.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Each | Every |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Individual members | Group as a whole |
| Typical use | Personal actions | Rules and general truths |
| Group size | Often small or specific | Often large or general |
| Tone | Precise and deliberate | Broad and efficient |
Position in a Sentence
Each offers more flexibility. It can appear before the noun or after the subject.
Examples:
- Each answer was reviewed carefully.
- The answers were each reviewed carefully.
Every always comes before a noun.
Correct:
- Every answer was reviewed carefully.
Incorrect:
- The answers were every reviewed carefully.
Verb Agreement With Each and Every
Both each and every take singular verbs, even though they refer to multiple people or things. English grammar treats the focus as one unit.
Examples:
- Each participant is responsible for registration.
- Every rule applies equally.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners use every when precision is required. As a result, sentences lose clarity. Others avoid each because it feels formal. However, native speakers use each naturally in many everyday contexts. Another common mistake involves assuming that both words are interchangeable. In reality, meaning often shifts even when grammar remains correct.
Key Takeaways
- Use each when individual focus matters.
- Use every when the group or rule matters.
- Both each and every take singular verbs.
- Each allows flexible placement in sentences.
- Every always appears before a noun.
- Meaning should guide the grammar choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between each and every in English?
The main difference lies in focus. Each highlights individuals separately, while every treats individuals as part of a group. When you use each, you draw attention to one person or thing at a time. When you use every, you emphasize that the statement applies to all members collectively.
Examples:
- Each student answered the question differently.
- Every student answered the question.
The first sentence highlights individual responses. The second focuses on the fact that all students responded.
2. Can each and every be used interchangeably?
In some situations, both words are grammatically correct. However, meaning often changes. Using each makes the sentence more precise, while every makes it more general. Because of this, interchangeability is limited and context-dependent.
Examples:
- Each child was given a different task.
- Every child was given a task.
The first sentence emphasizes distinction. The second emphasizes completeness.
3. Which word should I use when talking about rules or laws?
Every works better with rules, laws, and general statements. It naturally expresses universality and consistency. Because rules apply equally, every fits better than each in most such contexts.
Examples:
- Every employee must wear an ID badge.
- Every application requires approval.
Using each here would sound unnecessarily detailed unless individuality matters.
4. Why does each sound more specific than every?
Each slows down the idea and isolates individuals. This creates a sense of careful attention or personal involvement. As a result, it sounds more specific and sometimes more formal.
Examples:
- Each applicant was interviewed personally.
- Every applicant was interviewed.
The first sentence suggests individual attention. The second simply states a fact.
5. Do each and every always take singular verbs?
Yes. Both each and every require singular verb agreement. Even though they refer to multiple people or things, English grammar treats the focus as one unit.
Examples:
- Each answer is important.
- Every question has a solution.
Using plural verbs in these cases is incorrect.
6. Can each be used after the subject in a sentence?
Yes. Each can appear after the subject, which gives it more positional flexibility. This structure often appears in formal or descriptive writing.
Examples:
- The students each received a certificate.
- The players each wore a different jersey.
Every cannot be used in this position.
7. Is every more common in everyday English than each?
Yes. Every appears more frequently in daily speech because it is efficient and general. People often use it when details are unnecessary. However, this does not make each uncommon or unnatural.
Examples:
- I go for a walk every morning.
- She checks her email every day.
Each appears more often in precise or instructional contexts.
8. Which word should I use in exams and formal writing?
You should choose based on meaning, not perceived difficulty. Examiners value accuracy and intention. If individuality matters, use each. If the statement applies universally, use every.
Examples:
- Each candidate was assessed independently.
- Every candidate must meet the eligibility criteria.
The correct choice depends on what you want to emphasize.
Final Thought
Understanding each vs every in English improves clarity instantly. These small grammar choices create strong impressions in both writing and speech. With consistent practice, choosing the correct word becomes natural.
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