Each vs Every — Exercises — English Grammar Exercises
Both dishes are tasty and neither is expensive. Master determiners for pairs and groups — 60 exercises across 6 subtopics.
Each vs Every: Individuals and Groups
Each and every both mean 'all members of a set' and both take singular nouns and singular verbs — but they differ in focus and grammar. Each views items one by one (distributive); every views the complete group (collective). The most reliable diagnostic test is the 'of' rule: each can be followed by 'of' ('each of the students'), while every cannot — 'every of the students' is always wrong. Cambridge learner data shows that 'every of' errors appear in approximately 15% of B1 texts that contain the word 'every', making it one of the most consistent quantifier errors at this level. A secondary error is using 'each' with a plural noun: 'each students' instead of 'each student'.
Each — Focus on Individuals
'Each' is used when the speaker considers members of a group one at a time. It works with two or more items and can appear before a singular noun or before 'of'.
Each of the rooms has its own bathroom. ('each of' + the + plural noun)
Each of us has a different opinion.
Every — Focus on the Whole Group
'Every' is used for groups of three or more when the speaker emphasises completeness. It cannot be followed by 'of' directly.
There's a supermarket on every corner in this neighbourhood.
I go to the gym every other day. (fixed expression: alternate days)
The 'of' Rule: Each ✓, Every ✗
The teacher gave each of the children a small gift. ✓
Every of the answers was incorrect. ✗ → Each of the answers was incorrect. ✓
Common Mistakes
✗ Every of the answers was incorrect. → ✓ Each of the answers was incorrect. ('every' cannot take 'of')
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between both, either, and neither?
'Both' means the two together (positive): 'Both restaurants are good.' It always takes a plural verb. 'Either' means one or the other — it doesn't matter which: 'You can take either bus.' As a subject it takes a singular verb. 'Neither' means not one and not the other (negative): 'Neither option is acceptable.' It also takes a singular verb and already contains a negative meaning, so never add a second negative word ('neither of them don't want' is wrong — say 'neither of them wants').
How do you use both...and, either...or, neither...nor?
These are correlative conjunctions that link two parallel elements. 'Both...and' adds two things: 'She speaks both French and German.' 'Either...or' presents a choice: 'Either call me or send an email.' 'Neither...nor' rejects both: 'He neither called nor texted.' A common error is writing 'neither...or' — always use 'neither...nor'. The elements after each part must be grammatically parallel: both nouns, both verbs, both adjectives, etc.
What is the difference between each and every?
'Each' emphasises individuals one by one (possible for two or more): 'Each student received a certificate.' 'Every' emphasises the group as a whole (three or more): 'Every student passed the exam.' The key rule: 'each' can be followed by 'of' ('each of the students'), but 'every' cannot — 'every of the students' is wrong. Say 'every student' or 'every one of the students'. Both take singular verbs.
How do you express negative agreement in English — 'neither do I' or 'I can't either'?
Both forms are correct but structurally different. 'Neither do I' (or 'Nor do I') uses inversion: neither + auxiliary + subject. 'I can't either' keeps normal word order but adds 'either' at the end. Match the auxiliary to the first sentence: 'She hasn't finished' → 'Neither have I' / 'I haven't either'. The key error to avoid is 'too' in negative contexts: 'I can't too' is wrong — use 'either'. The informal 'Me neither' works in spoken English.