Each and every
Each and every are synonyms and they both mean "all". However, these two words have a slightly different meaning and usage.
Each
If we speak about a small number of people or things and we want to consider all of the objects individually, we usually use "each".
For example
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/there-were-four-a799eb34.mp3{/mp3}There were four T-shirts. Each T-shirt had a funny print on it. = all of four T-shirts
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/three-players-can-5f9718dc.mp3{/mp3}Three players can take part. Each player has ten coins at the start. = Player 1 has ten coins, so do players 2 and 3.
We can also say each of (the/these/them…).
Examples
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/each-of-those-e9a331c2.mp3{/mp3}Each of those tasks is quite simple. = all of those tasks are quite simple.
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/if-each-of-95fe0390.mp3{/mp3}If each of you gives ten euro, we’ll collect the amount we need. = if all of you give...
Each can be separated from the noun and put in the middle or at the end of the sentence.
Examples
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/the-pipes-have-0c84b02b.mp3{/mp3}The pipes have two holes each. = each pipe has two holes
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/the-shirts-are-48731566.mp3{/mp3}The shirts are sold for 20 dollars each. = each shirt is sold for 20 dollars
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/the-employees-were-e5c41095.mp3{/mp3}The employees were each given severance pay. = each employee was given severance pay
Every
Unlike "each", we use every when there is a large number of people or things and we think of them as one lump.
For example
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/i-was-supposed-85ab691e.mp3{/mp3}I was supposed to make a copy of every sheet in that huge pile. = all the sheets
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/every-plant-in-6cb2c640.mp3{/mp3}Every plant in the botanical garden had a sign with its Latin name. = all the plants
Every + time. We use "every" speaking about regular time periods: how often something happens.
Examples
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/the-bus-goes-4d009804.mp3{/mp3}The bus goes every thirteen minutes. WRONG each thirteen minutes
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/we-see-our-5142a7bf.mp3{/mp3}We see our parents every week. WRONG each week
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/i-get-up-06add6ae.mp3{/mp3}I get up at 6:30 every morning. WRONG each morning
We can't use "every" without a noun. If we want to drop the noun, we add "one" instead.
Examples
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/you-have-a-d556f0dc.mp3{/mp3}You have a large collection of comic books. Did you read every one of them? = every book of this collection
Pay attention
Do not confuse "everyone" with "every one". Everyone is a synonym of everybody, and we only use it for people. Every one = every + one when we substitute the noun.
Examples
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/did-you-know-198ae818.mp3{/mp3}Did you know everyone at the party? = everybody
{mp3}/files/mp3/each-every/the-autumn-leaves-019aaef6.mp3{/mp3}The autumn leaves were so beautiful. Every one had a unique shade of red. = every leaf
Let's compare each and every in a table.
| each | every |
|---|---|
| all of few objects | all of many objects |
| - | every + time: every hour, every two minutes, every week |
| each of + us / the houses / those books ... | every one of us / the houses / those books ... |
| Have you each signed the contract? They weigh 0,5 kilo each. |
- |