091 : each and every

   A   

Each and every are similar in meaning. Often it is possible to use each or every:

• Each time (or Every time) I see you, you look different.
• There are computers in each classroom (or every classroom) in the school.

 

But each and every are not exactly the same. Study the difference:

 

We use each when we think of things separately, one by one. Study each sentence carefully. (= study the sentences one by one)	We use every when we think of things as a group. The meaning is similar to all. Every sentence must have a verb. (= all sentences in general)
Each is more usual for a small number: There were four books on the table. Each book was a different colour. (in a card game) At the beginning of the game, each player has three cards.	Every is more usual for a large number: Kate loves reading. She has read every book in the library. (= all the books) I'd like to visit every country in the world. (= all the countries)

 

Each (but not every) can be used for two things:

• In football, each team has eleven players. (not every team)

 

We use every (not each) to say how often something happens:

• 'How often do you use your car?' 'Every day.' (not Each day)
• There's a bus every ten minutes. (not each ten minutes)

 

 

   B   

Compare the structures we use with each and every:

 

You can use each with a noun: each book, each student	You can use every with a noun: every book, every student
You can use each alone (without a noun): None of the rooms was the same. Each(= each room) was different. Or you can use each one: Each one was different.	You can't use every alone, but you can say every one: A: Have you read all these books? B: Yes, every one.
You can say each of (the ... / these ... / them etc.): Read each of these sentences carefully. Each of the books is a different colour. Each of them is a different colour.	You can say every one of ... (but not 'every of'): I've read every one of those books. (not every of those books) I've read every one of them.

 

 

   C   

You can also use each in the middle or at the end of a sentence. For example:

• The students were each given a book. (= Each student was given a book.)
• These oranges cost 40 pence each.

 

 

   D   

Everyone and every one

 

Everyone (one word) is only for people(= everybody).

 

Every one (two words) is for things or people, and is similar to each one (see Section B).

• Everyone enjoyed the party. (= Everybody ... )
• Sarah is invited to lots of parties and she goes to every one. (= to every party)