Each and Every
“Each” and “every” mean slightly different things. Find out which one to use.
Mignon Fogarty
“Each” and “every” mean the same thing and are considered singular nouns so they take singular verbs. (Note the singular verbs in the following examples.)
If you want to get technical, you can use “each” to emphasize the individual items or people:
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Each car is handled with care.
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Inspectors scrutinize each egg to make sure it isn’t cracked.
And you can use “every” to emphasize the larger group:
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Every car should use hybrid technology.
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The Egg Farmers of America want eggs on every table for breakfast.
People often say “each and every” for emphasis, but it is redundant, and I almost always advise brevity when it comes to usage.
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About the Author
Mignon Fogarty is the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips and the author of seven books on language, including the New York Times bestseller “Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.” She is an inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame, and the show is a five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. She has appeared as a guest expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Today Show. Her popular LinkedIn Learning courses help people write better to communicate better.