Each vs. Every

"Each" and "every" are both determiners used with singular nouns to indicate quantity. While they are similar in meaning, they are not always interchangeable. Let's explore their differences and usage with more details, examples, and tips.

Each

Meaning: Expresses the idea of 'one by one' and emphasizes individuality. It can be used for two or more things or people.

Usage	Examples	Explanation
Two or more things or people	"Each employee received an invitation."	(Individual invitations to employees.)
	"Each refugee received food and water."	(Individual distribution to refugees.)
Just two things	"He carried a book in each hand."	(One book in each hand.)
Followed by 'of'	"A letter was sent to each of the firemen."	(Individual letters to firemen.)
	"The actor replied to each of his fans."	(Individual replies to fans.)
	"A meal was served to each of the passengers."	(Individual meals to passengers.)
Used as a pronoun	"The prize money was divided among the team members. Each received 10,000€."	(Individual amounts to team members.)
	"Both girls work. Each earns a good salary."	(Individual salaries to girls.)

Every

Meaning: Refers to all the members of a complete group. It indicates three or more things or people.

Usage	Examples	Explanation
Three or more things or people	"Every pupil must wear a uniform."	(Uniform requirement for all pupils.)
	"Every book borrowed must be returned."	(Return requirement for all borrowed books.)
	"Every employee received a free copy."	(Free copies to all employees.)
Frequency	"There is a train every 15 minutes."	(Train schedule frequency.)
	"The church bells ring every hour."	(Bell ringing frequency.)
	"A news bulletin is published every morning."	(Publication frequency.)
Abstract nouns	"They have every reason to be satisfied."	(All reasons for satisfaction.)
	"Every weakness is noticed."	(All weaknesses noticed.)
	"Every skill is precious."	(All skills are valuable.)
Adverbs	"Nearly every student passed the test."	(Almost all students passed.)
	"Almost every member answered the questionnaire."	(Almost all members answered.)
	"Practically every house today is connected to the Internet."	(Almost all houses are connected.)

Each of Us / Every One of Us

Usage	Examples	Explanation
Each of + pronoun/determiner + noun	"Each of us has a computer."	(Individual computers to each person.)
	"Each of the employees received a bonus at Christmas."	(Individual bonuses to employees.)
Every one + pronoun/determiner + noun	"Every one of us has a computer."	(All individuals have computers.)
	"Every one of the employees received a bonus at Christmas."	(All employees received bonuses.)

Each and Every

It is common to see "each" and "every" used alongside one another for emphasis.

Usage	Examples	Explanation
Emphasis	"The manager will explain the situation to each and every one of you."	(Emphasizing all individuals.)

Practical Tips

1. Choosing the Right Word:

   • Use "each" to emphasize individuality or when referring to two things.

   • Use "every" to refer to all members of a complete group or to indicate frequency.

2. Context Matters:

   • "Each" can be used with "of" and as a pronoun (e.g., "Each of the students received a certificate").

   • "Every" is used with abstract nouns and adverbs (e.g., "Every effort counts").

3. Common Phrases:

   • "Each and every one" (emphasis on all individuals)

   • "Each of us" (individuals within a group)

   • "Every single" (emphasis on all members)

Additional Examples

Each

• Two or more things or people:

  • "Each participant received a medal."

  • "Each child was given a toy."

• Just two things:

  • "She wore a ring on each finger."

  • "He held a cup in each hand."

• Followed by 'of':

  • "Each of the students was given a book."

  • "Each of the guests received a gift."

• Used as a pronoun:

  • "Each received a portion of the prize."

  • "Each has their own responsibilities."

Every

• Three or more things or people:

  • "Every student must complete the assignment."

  • "Every car in the lot was inspected."

• Frequency:

  • "The bus arrives every 10 minutes."

  • "She calls her parents every day."

• Abstract nouns:

  • "Every possibility was considered."

  • "Every detail matters."

• Adverbs:

  • "Nearly every seat was taken."

  • "Almost every question was answered."

Summary Table

Word	Meaning	Examples
Each	One by one; individuality	"Each employee received an invitation." "He carried a book in each hand." "Each of the students was given a book."
Every	All members of a complete group; frequency	"Every pupil must wear a uniform." "There is a train every 15 minutes." "Nearly every student passed the test."