What is the Difference Between Each and Every in English Grammar?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between "each" and "every" in English grammar lies in their usage with countable nouns and the emphasis they convey.

  • Each: This word is generally used to focus on the individual in a group of two or more. It emphasizes the individual elements within the group. For example: "Each student passed the test." or "She had a small tattoo on each wrist."
  • Every: This word refers to the collective group of three or more items and emphasizes all the members of the complete group. For example: "Every student passed the test." or "She wore a ring on every finger."

In summary:

  • Use "each" when focusing on individual elements within a group of two or more.
  • Use "every" when referring to the collective group of three or more items or emphasizing all the members of the complete group.

Comparative Table: Each vs Every in English Grammar

Here is a table highlighting the differences between "each" and "every" in English grammar:

Feature Each Every
Meaning Refers to individual things within a group of two or more items Refers to a collective group of three or more items
Used with Can be used with groups of two or more items Can be used with groups of three or more items
Examples Each student got a book. Every student passed the test.
Form Each + singular noun or pronoun Every + singular noun or pronoun
Emphasis Each can be used for emphasis. Every can be used for emphasis.

Both "each" and "every" are determiners that come with singular nouns to indicate quantity. They are very similar in meaning, and often it is possible to use both interchangeably. However, "each" is more suitable for referring to individual items within a group of two or more items, while "every" is used to refer to a collective group of three or more items.