Each
“Each” is a determiner and pronoun that is used to refer to every individual object or person in a group. It emphasizes the consideration of each item or individual separately and distinctly. Here are some key points to understand about “each”:
- Meaning: “Each” refers to every member or item in a group considered individually and separately, without exception. It implies that attention is given to every single entity within the group.
- Singular Verb Agreement: “Each” is typically followed by a singular verb. For example:
- Each student is responsible for their own work.
- Each flower needs to be watered regularly.
- Individual Consideration: “Each” emphasizes the individuality of the items or individuals within the group. It suggests that they are taken into account or treated individually, rather than as a collective whole.
- Usage: “Each” is often used to distribute or allocate items or actions equally among the members of a group. It can also indicate the repetition or occurrence of actions or events for every individual in the group. Examples:
- Each person in the team has a specific role to play.
- She gave a gift to each child at the party.
- They each took a turn on the stage.
Every
“Every” is a determiner that is used to refer to all members or items within a group, without exception. It emphasizes the inclusiveness and universality of the statement. Here are some key points to understand about “every”:
- Meaning: “Every” indicates that something applies to all members or items within a group, leaving no exceptions. It suggests that attention is given to each and every individual or item in the group.
- Singular Verb Agreement: “Every” is typically followed by a singular verb. For example:
- Every student needs to study for the exam.
- Every car requires regular maintenance.
- Group Inclusiveness: “Every” emphasizes the collective nature of the group as a whole. It suggests that the statement applies uniformly and universally to every member or item in the group.
- Usage: “Every” is often used to express regular occurrences or patterns. It can also be used to indicate the distribution or allocation of something among all members of a group. Examples:
- Every child in the class received a certificate.
- She goes for a run every morning.
- We appreciate every contribution made by our team members.
Important Differences Between Each and Every
Feature | Each | Every |
Meaning | Refers to every individual in a group | Refers to all members of a group without exception |
Verb agreement | Typically followed by a singular verb | Typically followed by a singular verb |
Group size | Can be used with any size group | Typically used with groups of three or more |
Emphasis | Emphasizes individuality and separate consideration | Emphasizes inclusivity and absence of exceptions |
Example sentence | Each student received a prize. | Every student received a prize. |
Example sentence | She won’t forget each word he said. | Every word he said was etched in her memory. |
Example sentence | Each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses. | Every one of us is responsible for our actions. |
Key Differences Between Each and Every
Here are key differences between “each” and “every”:
- Singular and Plural: “Each” is typically used with both singular and plural nouns, while “every” is usually used with singular nouns. For example:
- Each student needs to bring their own lunch. (Singular noun)
- Each of the students needs to bring their own lunch. (Plural noun)
- Every student needs to bring his or her own lunch. (Singular noun)
- Order and Sequence: “Each” is often used when referring to items or individuals in a specific order or sequence, while “every” does not necessarily imply a specific order. For example:
- The children lined up and received an ice cream each. (Implying a sequential distribution)
- The children lined up, and every child received an ice cream. (No specific order implied)
- Frequency: “Each” is sometimes used to emphasize the frequency of individual occurrences, while “every” typically refers to a repeated or regular pattern. For example:
- She read each book in the series multiple times. (Emphasizes repetition)
- He attends a meeting every Monday. (Indicates a regular occurrence)
- Context and Usage: “Each” is often used when focusing on individuality or individual components within a group, while “every” tends to emphasize the group as a whole. However, the specific usage can vary depending on the context and intended meaning.
Similarities Between Each and Every
While “each” and “every” have some distinct differences, they also share a number of similarities in their usage:
- Universal Inclusiveness: Both “each” and “every” convey the idea of universality and inclusiveness within a group. They suggest that all members or items in the group are considered without exception.
- Singular Verb Agreement: Both “each” and “every” are typically followed by a singular verb. For example:
- Each student is responsible for completing their own work.
- Every flower blooms in its own time.
- Determiners of Quantity: Both “each” and “every” can be used as determiners to indicate the quantity or distribution of items in a group. They imply that individual members or items are being singled out or counted. For example:
- She gave a gift to each child at the party.
- Every participant received a certificate of recognition.
- Emphasis on Individuality: While “each” and “every” have slightly different nuances, they both highlight the individuality or distinctiveness of the members or items in the group. They suggest that attention is given to each entity separately.
Conclusion Between Each and Every
In conclusion, “each” and “every” are both determiners that express inclusiveness within a group. However, they have some differences in usage:
“Each” emphasizes individuality and separate consideration, while “every” emphasizes inclusivity and absence of exceptions.
“Each” is typically followed by a singular verb and can be used with both singular and plural nouns. “Every” is also followed by a singular verb but is usually used with singular nouns.
“Each” is often used when referring to items or individuals in a specific order or sequence, while “every” does not necessarily imply a specific order.
“Each” can highlight the frequency of individual occurrences, while “every” generally implies a repeated or regular pattern.