Each vs Every : How different are they?

ElevatEd
Blog
June 11, 2024

Words that appear similar but have different meanings might make it difficult to understand the complexities of the English language. In this blog, we will understand the subtle ties between the words "each" and "every," two terms that are often used interchangeably but actually serve different grammatical purposes and convey slight variations in meaning.

There are many word pairs in the English language that both non-native speakers and learners find confusing. Words like "every" and "each" are examples. Although they have different meanings and are employed in various contexts, both determining words relate to members of a group. Understanding these distinctions helps speakers communicate more precisely and clearly.

What Does "Each" Mean?

"Each" describes individual group members taken as a whole. It is frequently employed when the speaker is considering each group member separately. This can be used for two or more objects or individuals.

For example, in the phrase "Each student received a certificate," the main focus is on the specific individuals who are mentioned one by one.

What Does "Every" Mean?

"Every" indicates each individual member of a group as a collection. It means nobody is left out of the group. "Every" is better suited for referring to three or more things or individuals than it is for two items.

For instance, sentence such as "Every week, we have a meeting" suggests that this is a weekly occurrence.

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Key Differences Between Each and Every

Number of Items: "Each" can be used for two or more items, whereas "every" is typically used when referring to three or more items.
Focus on Individuals vs. Groups: "Each" focuses on individuals within a group, highlighting individual attributes or actions. "Every" considers the group as a whole, emphasizing the collective aspect.
Usage in Sentences: "Each" can be used as a pronoun ("Each of the books is long"), while "every" cannot ("Every of the books" is incorrect).
Implication of Exclusivity: Using "each" can imply a sense of exclusivity or separation among individuals, whereas "every" suggests inclusivity and uniformity across a group.

Contextual Examples

To further clarify the difference, let's look at some examples:

Each:

"Each member of the team must sign the agreement." (Individual responsibility)
"Each of the cookies was decorated with care." (Focus on the individual effort and outcome)

Every:

"Every student must complete their homework." (A rule that applies to all students collectively)
"Every three days, the plant should be watered." (A general rule applying uniformly)

Although both "each" and "every" refer to members of a group, their primary focus on different aspects of that group is what differentiates them most. "Each" highlights particular people while paying close attention to particulars. "Every" refers to all participants, providing a feeling of unity and wholeness.

Understanding these differences will improve your mastery of the English language and help you communicate more effectively. Your comprehension of these differences will be refined with practice and usage, as they are with many other areas of language learning.