Each, every
Introduction
This train stops at every station on the route.
Definition
Each and every are quantifiers which have similar meanings but are not always used in the same way.
Construction
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| Each | Every |
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+ singular noun |
Each book is different.
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Every book is different. |
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+ plural noun |
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without a noun |
Each is different.
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with 'one' |
Each one is different.
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Every one is different. |
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with 'of'
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Each of them is different. |
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with 'one' and 'of' |
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Every one of them is different.
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Each and every take a singular verb, even if there is more than one noun:
Every man and woman has an opportunity to progress in our company.
With 'each of', we can use a singular or a plural verb but the singular is better in formal written English:
Each of the books is/are different.
Uses
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| Use | Examples |
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Each |
To talk about a group of things or people when we consider them separately - one at a time
To refer to two things or people
To talk about prices
To talk about how things are divided between members of a group
'each other' |
We greeted each visitor as they arrived.
In last night's rugby match, each team played well.
These apples are 40p each.
There are six chocolates and three people so they can have two each.
He's looking at her and she's looking at him. = They're looking at each other. [see Reflexive and reciprocal pronouns]
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Every |
To talk about a group of things or people when we consider them as a whole. The meaning is similar to all
To talk about frequency |
Every visitor to our company receives a warm welcome.
The buses leave every fifteen minutes.
She visits her parents every Christmas.
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Note that for smaller numbers, each is more common. Every is more common for bigger numbers and has a similar meaning to all:
Each member of my team works hard.
Every employee in this company works hard.
