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
There were four T-shirts. Each T-shirt had a funny print on it. = all of four T-shirts
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
Each of those tasks is quite simple. = all of those tasks are quite simple.
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
The pipes have two holes each. = each pipe has two holes
The shirts are sold for 20 dollars each. = each shirt is sold for 20 dollars
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
I was supposed to make a copy of every sheet in that huge pile. = all the sheets
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
The bus goes every thirteen minutes. WRONG each thirteen minutes
We see our parents every week. WRONG each week
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
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
Did you know everyone at the party? = everybody
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. |
- |