FAQs

What is the basic difference between “each,” “every,” and “either”?

Each focuses on individual members of a group, considering them one by one. Every takes a collective view that still implies all individual members are included; it emphasizes totality or regular occurrence. Either is used when there are two options and means “one or the other.” All three are followed by singular verbs in standard usage (e.g., “Each student is…,” “Every child has…,” “Either answer works.”).

Can “each” and “every” be used with plural nouns?

No, not directly. Use singular nouns after both: “each student,” “every house.” When referring to a plural set, use the construction each of + plural noun (Each of the students is…) or every one of + plural noun (Every one of the houses was…). Even in these “of” phrases, the verb remains singular because the logical subject is singular (“each” / “every one”).

When should I choose “each” instead of “every”?

Choose each when you want to highlight individuality, distribution, or separate treatment. For example, “Each participant received a personalized badge” suggests individual handling, while “Every participant received a badge” stresses coverage of the whole group. Use each if the unique experience or responsibility of every member matters.

When is “every” more natural than “each”?

Use every for routines, schedules, general truths, and blanket statements. Examples: “I jog every morning,” “Every device must pass inspection,” “Every country has unique traditions.” It sounds more natural when the emphasis is on the entirety or on regular repetition across time intervals.

Can “each” refer to two items, and can “every” refer to two items?

Each can refer to two or more items. Every typically refers to three or more in natural usage; we normally avoid “every” with only two. If you need to talk about one of two items, pick either; if you mean both considered individually, “each” is fine: “Each parent signed the form.”

How do subject–verb agreement rules work with “each,” “every,” and “either”?

They take singular agreement:

• Each student has submitted the form.
• Every applicant is interviewed.
• Either option works for me.

With “each of + plural noun,” keep the verb singular: “Each of the candidates is qualified.”

Where can “each” be placed in a sentence?

Each can appear before a noun (Each student received…) or postpositionally with plural subjects to emphasize distribution (The students each received…). It also appears in “of” phrases (Each of the students…). This flexibility lets you control rhythm and emphasis, especially in formal writing.

How is “either” used for choices, and what is the common mistake?

Either indicates a choice between exactly two options: “You can take either the train or the bus.” A common mistake is using “either” with more than two options. If there are three or more, use any: “You can take any of the three buses.” In negative statements, “either” can imply “neither”: “I don’t like either color.”

What is the difference between “either…or” and “neither…nor” with agreement?

Either…or presents two possibilities; the verb typically agrees with the nearer subject in careful writing: “Either the students or the teacher is responsible.” Neither…nor means both are not the case: “Neither the manager nor the assistants are available” (agreement with the nearer plural noun). In strict formal style, some prefer singular when both are singular: “Neither John nor Mary is coming.”

Is it acceptable to use singular “they” with “each” and “every”?

Yes. In modern English, singular they is widely accepted to avoid gendered pronouns: “Each student should submit their essay,” “Every participant must bring their ID.” This maintains agreement while promoting inclusive language. In very formal contexts, some still prefer “his or her,” but it is increasingly rare.

How do “every + number + plural noun” and time expressions work?

Every commonly combines with intervals to express frequency: “every two weeks,” “every five years,” “every Monday,” “every morning.” These phrases describe repeated events at regular times. You would not use “each” here unless emphasizing individual instances in a small, defined set (e.g., “each of the next three Mondays”).

Can I use articles or determiners with “each,” “every,” and “either”?

They function as determiners themselves and usually do not combine with articles directly: “each student,” not “the each student.” However, they can follow other determiners in special patterns like possessives or quantifiers in “of” constructions: “each of my friends,” “every one of those books,” “either of these solutions.”

What is the nuance difference between “each” and “every” in obligations?

With rules or obligations, each highlights individual responsibility (“Each employee must complete the training”), while every emphasizes the policy’s universal scope (“Every employee must complete the training”). Both are usually correct; choose based on whether you want to stress the person-by-person focus or the all-inclusive rule.

How do I choose between “each,” “every,” and “any” when offering options?

For two options, use either (“Either seat is fine”). For three or more options, use any (“Any seat in the front row is fine”). Use each if you’re assigning or distributing something to every individual item in a known group (“Each seat in the front row has a reserved tag”). Use every if you want to generalize across the whole set (“Every seat in the front row has an excellent view”).

Are there fixed phrases I should memorize?

Yes. Common patterns include: “every day / every year,” “every now and then,” “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “each of,” “every one of,” and “on either side.” Memorizing these helps you sound natural and avoid errors such as “every students” or “either of the three.”

Can “each” and “every” be intensified or modified?

They can be modified by limiting phrases: “each and every” (emphatic but redundant in formal writing), “almost every,” “virtually every,” “practically every,” “nearly each” (less common). Use emphasis sparingly in professional contexts: “Almost every respondent agreed,” “Each and every attendee must register” (more rhetorical than informational).

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

• Using plural nouns directly after “each/every”: say “each student,” not “each students.”
• Using plural verbs: “Every customer is,” not “are.”
• Using “either” with more than two choices; switch to “any.”
• Forgetting that “each of + plural noun” still takes a singular verb.
• Using “every” for exactly two items; prefer “each” or “both” depending on meaning.

Can I alternate “each” and “every” for stylistic variety?

Sometimes, but be cautious. If your meaning is strictly distributive, “each” may be clearer. If you intend a general statement or routine, “every” fits better. Random alternation can subtly shift meaning. When in doubt, choose the determiner that best matches your emphasis: individuality (each) vs. completeness or frequency (every).

How do I practice choosing the right determiner?

Ask yourself three questions: (1) Am I emphasizing individuals or the whole set? If individuals, use each; if the whole set or a routine, use every. (2) Do I have only two options? If so, use either for a choice or each for distributive statements. (3) Do I need frequency? If yes, use every + time interval. Write short pairs of sentences and feel the nuance: “Each door leads to a different room” vs. “Every door was repainted.”

Quick reference examples

• Each: “Each applicant is assigned a mentor.”
• Every: “Every Monday I take a class.”
• Either: “Either route gets you there on time.”
• Each of: “Each of the files was reviewed.”
• Every one of: “Every one of the proposals has merits.”
• Neither…nor: “Neither plan nor the alternatives seem ideal.” (Agreement may follow the nearer noun in practice.)

English Grammar Guide: Complete Rules, Examples, and Tips for All Levels