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Unit 1: English In A Minute
Give us a minute and we'll give you English

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Session 85

Welcome to English In A Minute. Give us a minute and we'll give you a hot tip about English. Grammar, vocabulary... there's so much to learn! And all taught by your favourite BBC Learning English staff!

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Session 85 score

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

'Each' vs 'every'

Do you have a minute to spare to learn some English? Phil is going to tell us each and every thing about 'each' vs 'every'! Give us 60 seconds and we'll give you the English

Watch the video and complete the activity

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Phil
Each and every. Sometimes you can use either, but not always.

In a group, each refers to individual things in turn. Every refers to all the things together. If I have time, I say 'bye' to each of my colleagues. If I don't, I say bye to every colleague at the same time.

If we have two things, we have to use each. If we have three or more, we can use each or every. I have a shoe on each foot. Lions have sharp claws on each or every paw.

Each can be used as a pronoun, while every can't. Look at those cakes! I want a slice of each!

Every object is together. Each object is on its own. Each is for two or more. Every is for three or more. Each can be a pronoun and every can't.

Each vs every

Group
In a group, each refers to individual things in turn. This that the objects are considered singularly one after another. Every refers to all the things together - as a single group.

  • If I have time, I say 'bye' to each of my colleagues.
  • If I don't, I say 'bye' to every colleague at the same time.

Two or more
If we have two things, we have to use each. If we have three or more, we can use each or every.

  • I have a shoe on each foot. 
  • Lions have sharp claws on each paw.
  • Lions have sharp claws on every paw.

Pronoun
Each can be used as a pronoun. Every can't.

  • A: Look at those cakes! I want a slice of each!
  • B: Yes. Each does look delicious, doesn't it?

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