Each and
every are similar in meaning. Often it is possible to use
each or
every:
- Each time (or Every time) I see you, you look different.
- There are computers in each classroom (or every classroom) in the school.
But each and every are not exactly the same. Study the difference:
We use each when we think of things separately, one by one.- Study each sentence carefully. (= study the sentences one by one)
| We use every when we think of things as a group. The meaning is similar to all.- Every sentence must have a verb. (= all sentences in general)
|
Each is more usual for a small number:- There were four books on the table. Each book was a different colour.
- (in a card game) At the beginning of the game, each player has three cards.
| Every is more usual for a large number:- Kate loves reading. She has read every book in the library. (= all the books)
- I'd like to visit every country in the world. (= all the countries)
|
Each (but not
every) can be used for two things:
- In football, each team has eleven players. (not every team)
We use
every (not
each) to say how often something happens:
- 'How often do you use your car?' 'Every day.' (not Each day)
- There's a bus every ten minutes. (not each ten minutes)
Compare the structures we use with each and every:
| You can use each with a noun: each book, each student | You can use every with a noun: every book, every student |
You can use each alone (without a noun):- None of the rooms was the same.
Each(= each room) was different.
Or you can use each one:
| You can't use every alone, but you can say every one:- A: Have you read all these books?
B: Yes, every one.
|
You ca n say each of (the ... / these .. . / them etc.):- Read each of these sentences carefully.
- Each of the books is a different colour.
- Each of them is a different colour.
| You can say every one of ... (but not 'every of'):- I've read every one of those books.
(not every of those books) - I've read every one of them.
|
You can also use
each in the middle or at the end of a sentence. For example:
- The students were each given a book. (= Each student was given a book.)
- These oranges cost 40 pence each.
Everyone and every one
Everyone (one word) is only for people(= everybody).
Every one (two words) is for things or people, and is similar to
each one (see Section B).
- Everyone enjoyed the party. (= Everybody ... )
- Sarah is invited to lots of parties and she goes to every one. (= to every party)
