Micro-listening
Each vs Every: Choosing the Right Word
What is the difference between each and every?
Each and every both refer to all members, but 'each' emphasises individuals separately, while 'every' presents the group as a whole. For example, 'Each visitor received a different map.' Use 'every' for regular schedules, such as 'The bus arrives every twenty minutes.' Both normally take singular countable nouns and singular verbs.
Key points
- Use 'each' for individuals or groups of two.
- Use 'every' for groups of three or more.
- Both take singular countable nouns and singular verbs.
- Say 'each of', but 'every one of'.
This lesson has 5 stages. You can stop at any time and continue later.
At a glance
| Form | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| each + singular noun | Highlights members separately; works for two or more. | Each guest received a different badge. |
| every + singular noun | Describes a complete group of three or more. | Every guest must sign the register. |
| each of + plural group | Refers to specific members individually. | Each of these keys opens a door. |
| every one of + plural group | Refers to all members as a complete group. | Every one of our teams qualified. |
| each after a plural subject | Adds individual emphasis after the subject. | The players each chose a number. |
| every + time expression | Describes regular schedules or repeated intervals. | The ferry leaves every half-hour. |
Stage 1 of 5
Understand
What it means, when to use it, and mistakes to avoid.
The full explanation
Each separates group members in your mind, treating every individual as a distinct unit. You can use each for groups of two or more. Every unites the group into a complete category and requires three or more members. Although the factual result of both words is often identical, each highlights variety or individual responsibility, whereas every emphasizes general rules, habits, and complete coverage.
Each employee completed an individual training evaluation at the end of the workshop.
Why it works: Focuses on employees completing evaluations separately.
3 more examples
-
Every employee must follow the building safety rules during an emergency.
States a universal rule applying to all employees as a unified group.
-
The technician examined each of the two backup generators.
Uses each because the group contains exactly two items.
-
The express train departs from platform three every thirty minutes.
Uses every to express a recurring time interval and schedule.
Read the full guide
Decide Between Individual Members and the Whole Group
When you want to describe all items in a collection, you must decide how you picture them. Use each when you view the members separately, one by one. This happens when individuals perform different actions or receive distinct items. In contrast, use every when you think about all members together as a unified set. Every highlights a general fact, complete coverage, or a rule that applies across the entire group without emphasizing individual differences.
-
Each participant answered a different question during the interview.
Why it works: The speaker focuses on participants individually because their questions varied.
-
Every participant arrived before the presentation began.
Why it works: The sentence emphasizes that the entire group was present on time.
Your turn
Which word fits best if you want to emphasize that three employees received different computer models?
Answer: Each
Show the answer
Answer: Each
Each focuses on the individual members of the group and highlights that their items or actions were separate.
Match Both Quantifiers with Singular Countable Nouns
Even though each and every refer to multiple people or objects, both words take a singular countable noun in standard English. You write each desk or every desk, never each desks or every desks. Because the subject noun is singular, the accompanying verb must also be singular in present tense sentences. For example, write each computer has a screen, rather than have a screen. Remembering this rule prevents subject-verb agreement errors in written reports and professional emails.
-
Each file includes an updated project summary.
Why it works: The singular noun file requires the singular verb includes.
-
Every room has a smoke detector near the ceiling.
Why it works: The singular noun room pairs with the singular verb has.
You can practise this again in About vs Around: Choosing the Right Word and Despite vs In Spite Of: Choosing the Right Form.
Your turn
Choose the grammatically correct sentence for an office policy manual:
Answer: Every manager has an assigned parking space.
Show the answer
Answer: Every manager has an assigned parking space.
Every must be followed by a singular countable noun (manager) and a singular verb (has).
Count Group Members to Avoid Impossible Combinations
Group size determines whether both words are possible or only one. You can use each when talking about two or more people or things. However, you can only use every when a group contains three or more members. When you refer to body parts that come in pairs, such as hands, eyes, or ears, you must choose each or both, never every. Choosing every for a pair sounds unnatural because native speakers expect at least three items.
-
The technician held a wire in each hand while testing the circuit.
Why it works: A person has two hands, so each is required instead of every.
-
Each side of the coin displays a different historical symbol.
Why it works: A coin has only two sides, making each the only correct quantifier.
Your turn
Why is 'She wore a silver earring in every ear' incorrect in standard English?
Answer: Every requires three or more items, but people have only two ears.
Show the answer
Answer: Every requires three or more items, but people have only two ears.
Every is reserved for groups of three or more, whereas each applies to two or more items.
Add Of and Determiners for Specific Plural Groups
When you refer to a specific group using words like the, these, those, or possessives like our, the grammatical structure changes. You can place each directly before of to form phrases such as each of the contracts. However, you cannot attach every directly to of. You must insert the pronoun one, creating every one of the contracts. In careful written English, the verb following both constructions remains singular because the true grammatical head of the subject is each or one.
-
Each of the new printers requires a wireless network setup.
Why it works: Each can combine directly with of followed by a plural noun phrase.
-
Every one of our clients signed the updated service terms.
Why it works: Every must combine with one before using of and a plural noun phrase.
Your turn
Which phrase correctly describes a specific pile of folders on a desk?
Answer: Each of these folders has an invoice inside.
Show the answer
Answer: Each of these folders has an invoice inside.
Each of is followed by a determiner (these) and a plural noun, whereas every of is ungrammatical.
Pick Every for Regular Schedules and Frequencies
When you express routines, recurring schedules, and time intervals, every is the standard choice. English speakers say every morning, every Friday, every two weeks, and every forty minutes. Using each in these temporal expressions sounds rigid or unnatural unless you specifically want to isolate individual days for unique analysis. Furthermore, adverbs of approximation like almost, nearly, and practically combine smoothly with every to express general completeness, but they cannot modify each.
-
The airport shuttle departs from terminal two every fifteen minutes.
Why it works: Every is the correct quantifier for recurring time intervals and frequencies.
-
Almost every flight arrived on time despite the heavy snowfall.
Why it works: Adverbs like almost modify every to express an approximate whole.
Your turn
Which sentence sounds natural when talking about an ongoing weekly appointment?
Answer: Our team meets every Tuesday morning at nine.
Show the answer
Answer: Our team meets every Tuesday morning at nine.
Every is the standard quantifier for recurring weekly routines and schedule intervals.
Position Each Mid-Sentence or Clause-Final for Emphasis
A distinct structural advantage of each is its flexible word order. While every must sit directly before a noun, each can function as an independent pronoun or adverbial modifier. You can place each immediately after a plural subject, between an auxiliary verb and a main verb, or at the very end of a clause when stating prices or allocations. For instance, you can say the certificates cost five dollars each. Every cannot move freely around the clause in this manner.
-
The supervisors have each reviewed the updated safety guidelines.
Why it works: Each sits between the auxiliary have and past participle reviewed for individual emphasis.
-
Conference badges cost twelve dollars each when ordered in advance.
Why it works: Each appears at the end of the clause to indicate unit pricing.
Your turn
Which sentence shows correct word order with a post-subject quantifier?
Answer: The technicians each received a safety helmet.
Show the answer
Answer: The technicians each received a safety helmet.
Each can appear directly after a plural subject pronoun or noun phrase, whereas every cannot.
Avoid Uncountable Noun Traps with Both Words
Learners frequently make mistakes by combining each or every with uncountable mass nouns such as information, advice, equipment, furniture, or luggage. Neither quantifier can attach directly to an uncountable noun. You cannot say every equipment or each advice. To express this concept correctly, add a countable partitive noun such as piece, item, or bit. You can say each piece of equipment or every bit of advice. Checking whether a noun is countable before adding a quantifier prevents embarrassing written mistakes.
-
The technician inspected each piece of equipment before the laboratory opened.
Why it works: Because equipment is uncountable, the countable noun piece must be inserted after each.
-
Every item of luggage must pass through the security scanner.
Why it works: Luggage cannot follow every directly, so item of luggage is used.
Your turn
Choose the correct phrase to complete: 'The manager reviewed ___ before the audit.'
Answer: each piece of information
Show the answer
Answer: each piece of information
Information is uncountable, so you must use a singular countable counter like piece after each.
Hear Reductions and Rhythmic Stress in Natural Speech
In fast conversational English, quantifiers follow distinct rhythmic rules that can challenge listening comprehension. In the common emphatic pairing each and every, native speakers reduce the word and to a brief nasal sound /ən/, pronouncing the phrase as /iːtʃ ən ˈevri/. In addition, speakers pronounce every with two syllables as /ˈev.ri/, dropping the middle letter e entirely. When each appears before a vowel, the final consonant links cleanly to the following syllable. Recognizing these reductions helps you catch rapid instructions in meetings and lectures.
-
The director thanked each and every volunteer for their dedicated support.
Why it works: In natural speech, and reduces to /ən/ between each and every.
-
Every employee attended the annual briefing in the main auditorium.
Why it works: Every is pronounced with two syllables /ˈev.ri/ rather than three.
Your turn
How is the phrase 'each and every' typically pronounced in fluent spoken English?
Answer: With the word 'and' reduced to a short /ən/ sound
Show the answer
Answer: With the word 'and' reduced to a short /ən/ sound
In rapid connected speech, 'and' regularly reduces to /ən/ between the two stressed quantifiers.
Common mistakes
What learners often say, what to say instead, and why.
-
Not this:
Every students completed the survey.Say: Every student completed the survey.
'Every' must be followed by a singular countable noun.
-
Not this:
Every of the tickets has a barcode.Say: Every one of the tickets has a barcode.
'Every' cannot come directly before 'of'; use 'every one of'.
-
Not this:
The technician tested every side of the coin.Say: The technician tested each side of the coin.
A coin has two sides, so use 'each', not 'every', for this pair.
-
Not this:
Every equipment was checked before use.Say: Every item of equipment was checked before use.
'Equipment' is uncountable, so add a singular countable noun such as 'item'.
Questions about "Each vs Every: Choosing the Right Word"
Can I say 'every of the students' like I say 'each of the students'?
No, you cannot use 'every' directly before 'of'. In English, 'each' can function as a pronoun followed by 'of', but 'every' is only a determiner and needs a noun or pronoun. To use 'every' with an 'of' phrase, add the pronoun 'one'. Therefore, write 'each of the students' or 'every one of the students'.
Each of the students received a certificate.
Every one of the students arrived before the bell.
Is it acceptable to use 'their' after 'each' or 'every' in everyday conversation?
Yes, in modern conversational English and everyday workplace writing, people frequently use plural pronouns like 'they', 'them', or 'their' after 'each' and 'every' to avoid awkward phrasing or gendered pronouns. However, in formal tests and academic writing, keep the verb singular: 'Every student brought their laptop' is common spoken English, but 'Every student brings his or her book' remains traditional in formal grammar tests.
Every employee should save their files before leaving.
Each applicant brought their own identification.
Why is 'every' incorrect when I talk about my hands or eyes?
'Every' requires a group of at least three people or things. Because humans have only two hands and two eyes, you must use 'each' or 'both'. You say 'each hand' or 'each eye' when considering them separately. Saying 'every hand' would imply a person has three or more hands, or refers to all hands in a crowd.
She held a pen in each hand.
The doctor examined each eye carefully.
Can I use adverbs like 'almost' or 'practically' with 'each'?
No, adverbs of degree like 'almost', 'nearly', and 'practically' modify totality, so they pair naturally with 'every', not 'each'. Say 'almost every student passed' or 'nearly every train was on time'. You cannot say 'almost each student' because 'each' isolates individuals one by one rather than measuring a collective total.
Almost every flight was delayed by the storm.
Nearly every seat in the hall was occupied.
Before you go
Remember this
Select each when individual differences, separate distributions, or groups of two are your focus. Select every when formulating general rules, recurring routines, or describing complete sets of three or more. Always attach both words to singular countable nouns, and insert one before of when using every with plural groups.
Stage 2 of 5
Listen
Hear it in real sentences, from short to long, and write what you hear.
0 of 4 done
Listening 1 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
Each applicant signed an agreement.
Applicant is a singular countable noun following each, emphasizing that applicants signed separate documents individually.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listening 2 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
Every office received new computers.
Office is a singular countable noun following every, referring to the entire collection of offices in the company.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
- In American English this t sounds like a quick, soft d.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- In American English this t sounds like a quick, soft d.
Try a longer clip. Listen once, then replay the part you missed.
Listening 3 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
Our manager inspects each area in our building every afternoon. She gives clear advice so people complete tasks on schedule.
Each area highlights individual zones checked one by one, while every afternoon indicates a recurring daily routine.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
This clip is longer. Follow the instruction above the answer field.
Listening 4 of 4
Listen, then type the missing words. The rest of the text is already there.
0:00
Read the transcript
We inspect each aisle in our store room every morning. Our team gives each order a special code so nothing goes missing. Every box must show a clear label, so packers find products quickly without delays. If you notice any damaged goods, notify our supervisor right away. Each assistant shares these responsibilities.
Combines each for separate aisles, orders, and individual assistants with every for recurring morning schedules and general box rules.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Practice complete
You listened closely.
Your result is saved in this browser.
Keep your progress. Your practice is saved on this device only. Create a free account to keep it everywhere.
Create a free accountThat was today's free lesson. Tomorrow you get another one. Want more today? See membership.
Create a free SubLearn account to keep this progress across devices.
Save my progressStage 3 of 5
Speak
Say it with the speaker, then use it in your own answer.
Shadow
Say it along with the speaker
Each applicant signed an agreement.
Play the line slowly, then speak at the same time as the speaker. Copy the rhythm, not just the words.
Your turn
Say it your way
Describe how your workplace or school organizes equipment. Explain what each person is responsible for and what rules apply to every member of the team.
Use: each vs Every: Choosing the Right Word
You could start with “In our workplace, each member of the team…”
Think for ten seconds, then answer out loud for as long as the task above asks, without looking at the lesson. Nothing is sent unless you ask for feedback.
0:00
Stage 4 of 5
Write
Write about your own day or week using it, then write a message.
Write
Put it in your own words
- I used “each vs Every: Choosing the Right Word”.
- It is about my life, not the lesson’s example.
- I read it once aloud to check it sounds right.
Write your own response
Choose a situation and write 30–50 words in your own wording. This is separate from typing the exact words in a recording.
Check your own writing
Read one possible response
Use these checks to revise your message. Grammar and meaning are not automatically graded. Each task keeps its own draft in this browser tab.
You finished the free part of this lesson
- Understand
- Listen
- Speak
- Write
- CheckPart of membership
Worth another look
With a free account, the lessons you finish come back for review to help you remember them.Create a free account
Stage 5 of 5 · Part of membership
Check
New clips without hints.
Listening tests are included with membership. Try the free dictation first, then decide whether to continue.
Listening 1 of 2 Part of membership
Listening 2 of 2 Part of membership
Follow MicroEnglish
New lessons, short videos and quick quizzes every day. Pick the app you already use.
Questions & comments
Ask about this lesson, share an example, or help another learner.
Example
Memory tip
Goes with
Related forms
Not to be confused with
In this lesson
This word isn't in our dictionary. Check the spelling, or try another form of the word.
We couldn't load this word. Try again.
