Difference Between Each and Every

Introduction

There are many words in the English language that can be difficult to understand and that can overlap when being used in a phrase. ‘Each’ and ‘Every’ are two words that have similar meanings but are used very differently. Both words are used to talk about individuals in a group. We use these words with singular nouns. Both terms are used to describe members of a group. However, as their meanings are distinct, they cannot be used interchangeably. The quantifiers ‘each’ and ‘every’ is a kind of determiner.

When we say "each," we mean each distinct thing or person in a group of two or more.  The emphasis of the meaning is on the distinct "one thing" within an entire group. It can be used as a pronoun as well as a determiner in a sentence.

When we want to highlight the group as a whole rather than any particular member of the group, we use “every”.

It can be difficult to distinguish between ‘every’ and ‘each’. Occasionally, a sentence can use both words.

Each vs Every

The key difference to distinguish between the terms- ‘each’ and ‘every’- 'Each' can be used to describe two or more objects or individuals in a pair or group, however 'every' can only be used when there are three or more objects or individuals in the group.  When a group contains only two items, we are unable to use the word "every."

For Ex- She is carrying a bag in each hand.              Each of you must be present at the meeting.              You have to attempt questions from each part A and B.

For Ex- Every student must be present.              I respect every teacher of mine.              The buses leave every 2 hours from Delhi to Manali.             

Difference between ‘Each’ and ‘Every’ in Tabular Form

Parameters of Comparison	Each	Every
Definition	We use ‘each’ to refer to each unique component of a group of two or more, whether they are people or things.	We use ‘every’ when a group's elements are considered as a whole and without any form of exception
Used when	When there are two or more elements in a group.	When there are three or more elements in a group.
Used as	Commonly used as a determiner as well as a pronoun.	Used only as a determiner.
Usage with ‘of’	It can be directly used with ‘of’ For ex- each of	It cannot be directly used with of.
Examples	The colors cost 20 rupees each. The principal spoke to each of the teachers. You have to answer two questions from each part.	My father likes to drink tea every morning. We interviewed almost every known person. Every person at the party danced.

What Does The Word ‘each’ Mean?

Each is a determiner and a pronoun that we employ to refer to each person or item in a group of two or more, taken into account and identified separately, in our statement. A singular verb normally follows it. It is used to refer to individual things in a group or a list containing two or more things. It is always used with singular nouns and, therefore, the verb is also conjugated in the singular, if we use each with the subject. It refers to multiple individuals or things, but it treats each as a separate, unique entity rather than the group as a whole.

How and when to use ‘Each’

To describe individual objects or persons in a group of two or more.

For Ex-

• The teacher distributed chocolates to each student in the class.
• Each worker should bring their documents tomorrow.
• She was injured in each leg.

To signify two things or individuals.

For Ex-

• I purchased two dresses and each dress has pockets.
• There are two cups on the table and each one is filled with a drink.
• I have two best friends, and each of them lives far away.

It is used as a pronoun with ‘of’ + noun.

For Ex-

• Each of the students received certificates.             
• I got gifts from each of my friends.
• He gave sweets to each of them.

We use ‘each’ with countable nouns, the noun we are referring to should be in a group of two or more, to use ‘each’.

For Ex-

• Each tree is at risk of being cut down.
• Give me five each of these blue and pink colored pens.
• I watered each of the rose plants.

Sometimes, it can also be used as a pronoun on its own in a sentence.

For Ex-

• There are only 3 books left. Please take each of them.
• I received two gifts from my office. I gave my siblings one each.
• I got 2 bouquets in the meeting but I gave them to each of these children.

Used before a verb.

For Ex-

• Each student looks focused.              
• The houses each have central cooling inside.
• Each member of the team is interested to play in the finals.

Examples

• I and my friend called each other at the same time.
• Each of us has a car.
• I played each song on my playlist.
• Each one of you is unique in your way.
• He wears a bracelet on each hand.
• They both love each other dearly.
• Each of us has different opinions.
• Each child was given a pencil and crayon.
• They faced each other during the exam.
• Kelly is new here so we barely know each other personally.   

What Does The Word ‘Every’ Mean?

We also use ‘every’ as a determiner in a statement. It refers to all the members of a group of three or more without exception. It is commonly followed by a singular noun. We usually use it to describe the members of a large group as a whole, rather than individually. However, ‘Every’ is only used when a group has more than two components. It regards everyone as a whole. Unlike ‘each’, we can’t use it as a pronoun in a sentence. It can’t be used with plural nouns as well.

How and When to use ‘Every’

All the items in a group of three or more are addressed using the term ‘every’.

For Ex-

• Every student must finish the assignment on time.
• I go to meet my friends every weekend.
• Every individual has their rights.

To describe an event that occurs repeatedly.

For Ex-

• Election occurs every five years in the country.
• The artists go on tours every year to perform.
• I get paid every month.

To express something to the most or best possible extent.

For Ex-

• We have every right to be happy and peaceful.
• She has every right to express her grief.             
• You have every right to take a stand for yourself.              

It can also be used to describe how often an event occurs.

For Ex-

• The metro arrives every 5 minutes.
• She visits her home every month.
• This show broadcasts every single day.

With adverbs such as almost, nearly, just about, and practically.

For Ex-

• I meet her almost every day.
• Practically everyone has a right to freedom.
• Nearly every lip shade in the store is new.

It is always followed by a singular verb form in a sentence

For Ex-

• Every student in the class is capable of doing wonders.
• Every one of you is special.             
• Every artist is hardworking.

Examples

• Every girl has the right to fight for her equality.
• Jack plays badminton every Saturday.
• The flight leaves every 2 hours from the airport.
• I have read every psychology book.
• Every building in this block is painted red.
• Every person has their perspective.
• My favorite YouTuber uploads videos almost every alternative day.
• Almost every participant was ready to perform.
• Every day is a new chance to learn and explore.
• Every bone in your body must be aching from such a heavy workout.
• You are almost late at every gathering or meet-up.
• Rita visits her grandmother’s house every summer.
• Every woman shall have equal rights.
• Every employee must report tomorrow for the farewell.

In some exceptional cases, we can also use ‘each’ and ‘every’ altogether in a sentence. It is used to put emphasis on a certain part or to highlight a portion of a sentence that might be important.

Examples

• I wish ‘each’ and ‘every’ one of you to do your best in your upcoming exams.
• They can’t punish ‘each’ and ‘every’ one of us.
• ‘Each’ and ‘every’ member of the team performed well.
• ‘Each’ and ‘every’ time we go to that café it is always crowded.
• You should make the most of ‘each’ and ‘every’ opportunity in life.
• ‘Each’ and ‘every’ one of you should be present at the event.

Main Differences Between ‘Each’ and ‘Every’ in Points

• When speaking of a group of people individually or collectively, we use the pronoun "each." When addressing all of the group's items at once, however, we use the word every.
• We use ‘Each’ to refer to objects or persons in a set or group of two or more, but on the contrary, we use ‘Every’ when there are three or more members in a group involved.
• A plural number of items or people are implied by the determiner ‘each’. However, it treats each member of the group as a separate unit. It can also function as a pronoun, in addition. The determiner ‘every’, on the other hand, likewise denotes a plural number of things or people and groups them all together as one.
• We can directly use ‘each’ with ‘of’ in a sentence. For ex- Each of my friends congratulated me on my promotion. Whereas, we cannot use ‘of’ directly with ‘every’ in a sentence.
• Examples of ‘Each’-

1. The notebook costs 50 rupees each
2. Each team has 7 players in the competition.
3. Try to fill each page of this book.                                  
4. Each member of the group must be present for the  Competition.

• Examples of ‘Every’-

1. Every student must be present for the function.
2. You should go to school every day.
3. Every child has the basic right to education.                                    
4. Every human deserves love.
5. You should come to class every day.

Conclusion

Due to the similarities in meaning there is often confusion between the words- ‘Each’ and ‘Every’. Although they might be used interchangeably at times, they do not possess the same meanings. This article gives an overview of the basic definitions of these two words, Key differences in tabular form as well as in points, the usage of these grammatical expressions in a sentence along with various examples.

You must be aware of the contexts in which ‘each’ and ‘every’ are used within the sentences to recall their differences. ‘Each’ is used to refer to each item in a group separately, while we use ‘every’ to refer to every member of a group without exception. Additionally, ‘each’ is used when the group we are referring to is smaller in size, whereas ‘every’ is used when the group is significantly larger.

The verb is used in the plural, if ‘each’ is used after a subject in the plural, whereas if we are using ‘every’ in a sentence, the singular form of the verb is used.

‘Each’ is used when there are two or more members in a group, and to define them individually. While, ‘Every’ is used when there are three or more members in a group, and it defines the group as a whole instead of highlighting them one by one, unlike ‘each’. We can use ‘each’ as a determiner, pronoun, and adverb but on the contrary ‘every’ can only be used as a determiner in an expression. They both are used to denote quantity, be it the number of persons, number of objects, etc.

For example,

1. Every student must give their best in their studies.
2. Each of the music lessons would cost you 5000 rupees.
3. We should be grateful each day for the life we live.

In an exceptional case, ‘of’ can be used directly with ‘each’ in a sentence unlike ‘every’.

For Ex- Each of the students must present the activity in class.