Difference Between "Each" and "Every"
1. Verb Agreement
Both each and every are always followed by a singular verb
Even though they refer to multiple people or things, they treat them as singular.
.
• Each player is ready for the match.
• Every house in this street is painted white.
2. Individual vs Group Meaning
Each focuses on individuals separately, while every refers to all members as part of a group.
• Each child received a different gift. (individual focus)
• Every child in the class passed the exam. (group focus)
3. Usage as Parts of Speech
Each can act as both a pronoun
Replaces a noun directly.
and an adjective, but every is only used as an adjective.
• Each of the answers is correct. (pronoun)
• Each student works hard. (adjective)
• Every student works hard. (adjective only)
4. Number Limitation
Each can be used for two or more items, whereas every is used only when referring to more than two.
• She held a bag in each hand. ✔
• She held a bag in every hand. ✖
• Every student must submit the form. (more than two)
5. Structure with "of"
Each can be followed by "of", but every cannot.
• Each of the players is confident. ✔
• Every of the players is confident. ✖
6. Use with Abstract Nouns
Every can be used with abstract ideas, but each cannot.
• She has every reason to succeed. ✔
• She has each reason to succeed. ✖
