Correct Usage of Each and Every



Correct Usage of Each and Every :



ALL and EVERY have quite similar meanings.
They are used in general about people or things.
ALL can be used with a plural noun and verb.
But, EVERY can only be used with singular words.

1. All Sundays are busy for me.
2. Every Sunday is busy for me.
3. Not all Tamilians speak Tamil.
4. Not every Tamilian speaks Tamil.
5. The man was here all day.
6. He was here every day.

EACH and EVERY do not mean quite the same.
EVERY puts people or things into a group.
It is similar to ALL.
But EACH separates things or people.

EACH : (determiner) - every single one or two or more things or people considered separately

1. She had a cut on each foot.

Note : BOTH is used for two things taken together – while EACH is used for any number of things separately.

1. I have two or more children. Each of my children goes to a different school.
2. They each have their own room.

Note :

BOTH always takes a plural verb.

1. Both these books are mine.

EVERY : (determiner) - each (of more than two)

1. Every student has to take the examination.

2. I believed his every word.

Note :

EACH before a noun takes a singular verb.

EVERY always takes a singular verb.

1. Each pupil was given a book.
2. Every child likes sweets.
3. Each child knows its parents.
4. We each have a room of our own.

EVERY cannot be used in these positions.

Study the following sentences.

1. Every professional musician practises for several hours a day.
2. Each player has his own way of doing.
3. We want every voter to go to the booth.
4. Each one was on top form.
5. You look more beautiful each time I see you.
6. You look more beautiful every time I see you.

Note :

EACH can be used to talk about two or more people or things.

But EVERY always refers to the three or more, never to two.

(every two - both)

1. Each sex has its own problems.

Note :

EACH is used as a determiner with a singular countable noun.

1. I have inspected each ward.

2. Each doesn't seem to be any better.

EACH OF is used with a plural noun.

1. Each of my children gave me some presents.
2. I invited each of my children in turn for tea.

Each of children - incorrect
Each of my children – correct

EACH OF is not possible when there is no other determiner.

1. Each of them gave me hundred rupees.
2. Each can be used after the subject.
3. We each have our own way of living.
4. My daughters have each married a doctor.
5. The witnesses were each examined separately and confidentially.
6. She kissed them each.

Note :

EACH can be used either with a singular or plural pronoun.

1. Each lecturer explained it in his / own way.
2. Each lecturer explained it in their own way.
3. Each of the women wore what she liked.
4. Each of the women wore what they liked.

Sum up :

EACH and EVERY are similar in meaning.
But, thay are totally different in usage.

EVERY points to the total group.
EACH directs attention to the individuals forming any group.

EACH is used only when the number in the group is limited and definite.
EVERY is used when the number is indefinite.

1. Every ticket has been sold.
2. Ten girls are there on each bench.
3. Every one of these books is interesting.
4. Leap year falls on every fourth year.
5. She came to see her children every five days.
6. It is raining every day now.
7. I was away a week and it rained each day.

Correct Usage of Each and Every



Correct Usage of Each and Every To HOME PAGE

The Grammar Index


Correct Usage of Each and Every
Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.