Usage of "each" and "every"

 



Usage of "each" and "every"



1. Detailed Explanation of "Each"



"Each" is used when talking about members of a group individually, one by one rather than as a whole. It highlights separate actions, characteristics, or items.



Usage Rules for "Each"

Always followed by a singular noun when used alone.

Can be used with plural nouns when followed by "of."

Often emphasizes that something happens to every individual separately.



Can be used with singular verbs because it refers to individual members.

More Examples of "Each"


Each student has a different book. (Singular noun, singular verb)


She checked each door to make sure it was locked.


Each of the students was given a certificate. (Used with "of")


I spoke to each employee about their role in the company.



Additional Notes on "Each"



"Each" is often used when referring to a small number of items or people, where individual attention matters.


It is commonly used in mathematical or logical expressions, such as "Each of the numbers is divisible by 2."

"Each" can sometimes be used with plural verbs in informal speech, but the singular verb is grammatically correct.


2. Detailed Explanation of "Every"



"Every" is used when referring to all members of a group collectively.


 It emphasizes the idea of totality rather than focusing on individuals separately.



Usage Rules for "Every"

Always followed by a singular noun.



Cannot be used with "of" unless a determiner (like "the") is present.



Used to describe repeated actions, habits, or regular schedules.

It implies no exceptions—it includes all members of a group.



More Examples of "Every"


Every student in the school wears a uniform.


I go to the gym every morning.

She visits her parents every Sunday.


Every house in this neighborhood has a garden.



Additional Notes on "Every"


"Every" is often used for large groups where the focus is on the group as a whole, rather than individuals.


It is frequently used with expressions of time, such as "every day," "every week," "every year."


When combined with "single," it adds extra emphasis, as in "I checked every single detail."


3. Key Differences Between "Each" and "Every"


Individual vs. Group Focus:


"Each" refers to members separately, one by one.


"Every" refers to all members collectively, as a group.



Verb Agreement:


"Each" is usually followed by a singular verb.


"Every" is always followed by a singular verb.


Usage with "Of":


"Each" can be used with "of" (e.g., "Each of the students").


"Every" is not usually used with "of" unless followed by a determiner (e.g., "Every one of the students").


Use in Time Expressions:


"Every" is commonly used with time expressions like "every day" or "every Monday."


"Each" is less common in such cases but can be used in specific contexts, like "Each time I see you, I feel happy."

Use for Two Items:


"Each" is used when referring to two things.


"Every" is only used when referring to three or more things.

Example: "She wore a bracelet on each wrist." (Not "every wrist" because humans have only two wrists.)



4. Special Cases and Exceptions



Using "Each" and "Every" with Pronouns


"Each" can be used with plural pronouns:

"Each of them is responsible for a different task."


"Every" is not usually used with plural pronouns directly. Instead, we say:

"Every one of them is responsible for a task."

Using "Each" and "Every" with "Other"


"Each other" is a common phrase meaning mutual action:

"They love each other." (Mutual relationship)

"Every other" means "every second one":

"I go to the gym every other day." (Meaning: I go one day, then skip the next.)

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