Difference Between Each and Every (with Comparison Chart)

Each and Every are the two quantifying determiners that can be used with singular nouns only. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Each is used for referring to every individual unit in a set of two or more.

On the contrary, we use every when we are talking pervasively, i.e. we are referring to all the items of the group collectively, which does not consist of an exception. Now, read this example to understand both of them clearly.

Every side of the story is interesting, but each character has a different story to tell.
There are 40 students in every class, and each class has two groups, A and B.

In the first example, every is used to point out in a general way, all the aspect of the story, whereas each is used to specify that every single character has a different story. In the next example, when we are talking about all the classes, we used every, but when we are specifying the groups in a class, we used each.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Each	every
Meaning	When we refer to every item of a group, but individually, we use the word each.	When all the items of a group are taken collectively, without any kind of exception, we use every.
Pronunciation	iːtʃ	ˈɛvri
Part of Speech	Determiner and Pronoun	Determiner only
Usage	When the number of items in a group are two or more.	When the number of items in a group are three or more.
Example	The exam syllabus is divided into 3 subjects and each subject has 5 units.	In the factory, every worker has to wear a uniform.
	Each flat of this building has a balcony.	I like to read newspaper every morning.
	Kate has three children and each one has blue eyes.	Cricket world cup is held in every four years.

Definition of Each

Each is a determiner and a pronoun, which we use in our sentence to mention every person or thing in a group of two or more than that, considered and identified individually. It is usually followed by a singular verb. Now we’ll discuss how can we use them in our sentences:

To refer to individual objects or persons of a set of two or more:
- We went to Amritsar during our vacations, and each morning we used to go to the Golden Temple.
- The company distributed umbrella to each employee.
- Each candidate has to bring their resume and a copy of their ID card.
To imply two things or people:
- There are two books on the table. Each book is useful for Civil Services Exam.

Definition of Every

Every is a determiner, which alludes to all the members of a group of three or more, without any exception. It is followed by a singular noun. Let’s understand where can we use ‘every’ in our sentences:

It is used to address all the items of a set of three or more:
- I use to play badminton every evening.
- Every Sunday, I go shopping with my best friend.
- Every person we meet in our life is not trustworthy.
To express something that takes place repeatedly:
- General Elections are held in India every five years.
- Arun gets his salary on the last day of every month.
To the greatest or best possible extent:
- Katherine has every reason to enjoy her life.
- He has every right to live with respect and peace.

Key Differences Between Each and Every

The points given below are substantial so far as the difference between each and every is concerned:

Each is used when we are referring to every member of a group, separately or one by one. As against, Every is used when we are addressing to all the items of the group, collectively.
Each is a determiner that implies a plural number of objects or persons. However, it considers every item of the group as an individual unit. Further, it can also act as a pronoun. Conversely, every is also a determiner, that implies a plural number of objects or persons, and lumps together as one.
We use each when the number of members in a group is two or more, whereas every is used when there are three or more members in a group.

Examples

Each

I distributed two chocolates each.
These books cost Rs. 120 each.
She met five people in Mumbai, and each of them is talking in a different Language.

Every

Every house of this colony is painted red.
After every two hours, she goes to sleep for 10 minutes.
Peter exercises every day to keep himself fit.

Exception

We can use ‘each of’ to emphasize a common characteristic in the objects or people of a set. It is always followed by a plural noun or pronoun:

I have four best friends, and each of them is a movie buff.
Ananya eats each of the candies.

How to remember the difference

To remember the difference between each and every, you must know where to use these two in our sentences. While each is used to refer every single item in a group discretely, but we use every when we address all the members of a group as one, without any exception. Further, each is used when the group we are talking about, is smaller in size, whereas we use every when the group is comparatively larger.