All vs. Each

Attribute	All	Each
Definition	Refers to the whole group or set	Refers to every individual item in the group or set
Usage	Used when referring to the group as a whole	Used when referring to individual items within the group
Scope	Broader scope, encompasses everything in the group	Narrower scope, focuses on each item separately
Examples	All students passed the exam	Each student received a certificate

Introduction

When it comes to discussing the attributes of "all" and "each," it is important to understand the nuances of these two words. While they may seem similar in meaning, they actually have distinct differences that can impact how they are used in a sentence. In this article, we will explore the various attributes of "all" and "each" and discuss when it is appropriate to use each one.

Definition

First, let's define the two words. "All" is a determiner that refers to the whole quantity or extent of something. It is used to indicate that every member of a group is included. For example, "All the students in the class passed the exam." On the other hand, "each" is also a determiner that refers to every individual member of a group. It is used to emphasize the individuality of each member. For example, "Each student received a certificate."

Usage

One key difference between "all" and "each" is how they are used in a sentence. "All" is typically used when referring to a group as a whole, while "each" is used when emphasizing the individual members of a group. For example, "All the apples in the basket are ripe" refers to the entire group of apples, while "Each apple in the basket is ripe" emphasizes the ripeness of each individual apple.

Scope

Another important attribute to consider when comparing "all" and "each" is their scope. "All" has a broader scope and refers to the entirety of a group, while "each" has a narrower scope and focuses on the individual members of a group. This difference in scope can impact the meaning of a sentence and how it is interpreted by the reader. For example, "All the books on the shelf are red" implies that every book on the shelf is red, while "Each book on the shelf is red" emphasizes that every individual book is red.

Emphasis

One of the key attributes of "each" is its ability to emphasize the individuality of each member of a group. When using "each" in a sentence, the focus is on the uniqueness of each individual rather than the group as a whole. This can be useful when you want to highlight the specific characteristics or qualities of each member. For example, "Each flower in the garden is beautiful" emphasizes the beauty of each individual flower.

Generalization

On the other hand, "all" is often used to make generalizations about a group as a whole. When using "all" in a sentence, the focus is on the collective characteristics or qualities of the entire group. This can be useful when you want to make a statement that applies to every member of the group. For example, "All the students in the class are hardworking" makes a general statement about the work ethic of the entire class.

Quantification

Another attribute to consider when comparing "all" and "each" is their role in quantifying a group. "All" is used to refer to the total quantity or extent of something, while "each" is used to refer to every individual member of a group. This difference in quantification can impact how a sentence is understood and interpreted. For example, "All the cookies in the jar were eaten" refers to the total quantity of cookies, while "Each cookie in the jar was eaten" emphasizes that every individual cookie was eaten.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "all" and "each" may seem similar in meaning, they have distinct attributes that can impact how they are used in a sentence. "All" is used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of something, while "each" is used to emphasize the individual members of a group. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you use them effectively in your writing and communication.