Each vs. Every

Attribute	Each	Every
Definition	Refers to every individual or item in a group	Refers to all members or instances of a group collectively
Usage	Used when referring to individual items or members separately	Used when referring to all items or members collectively
Emphasis	Places emphasis on individuality or separateness	Places emphasis on the entirety or collective nature
Frequency	Can be used for both singular and plural subjects	Typically used with plural subjects
Examples	Each student received a book.	Every student must attend the meeting.

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, there are numerous words that may seem similar but have distinct meanings and usage. Two such words are "each" and "every." While they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between them that can impact the context and understanding of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the attributes of each word, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Definition and Usage of Each

The word "each" is an adjective and a pronoun that refers to every individual or item within a group, considering them separately. It emphasizes the individuality and distinctness of each member. For example, in the sentence "Each student must complete their assignment," it implies that every student has a separate assignment to complete.

Furthermore, "each" is often used to distribute or divide something equally among a group. For instance, "The teacher gave each student a book" indicates that every student received a book individually.

Additionally, "each" can be used as an adverb to mean "for each one" or "apiece." For example, "The apples cost $2 each" implies that each apple costs $2 individually.

Definition and Usage of Every

Similar to "each," "every" is also an adjective and a pronoun. However, it refers to all the members of a group collectively, without emphasizing individuality. It implies that each member is considered as part of a whole. For instance, in the sentence "Every student must attend the assembly," it suggests that all students are expected to attend as a collective group.

Moreover, "every" is often used to express regularity or frequency. It indicates that something happens consistently or without exception. For example, "I go for a walk every morning" implies that the person goes for a walk every morning without fail.

Additionally, "every" can be used to emphasize the importance or significance of something. For instance, "Every vote counts" highlights the significance of each individual vote in an election.

Similarities between Each and Every

While "each" and "every" have distinct meanings and usage, they also share some similarities:

• Both words can be used as adjectives or pronouns.
• They are often used to refer to members of a group.
• Both words can be used to distribute or divide something among a group.
• They can be followed by a singular noun or pronoun.
• Both words can be used to express generalizations or universal truths.

Differences between Each and Every

While "each" and "every" have similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart:

• Individuality vs. Collectivity: "Each" emphasizes the individuality and distinctness of members within a group, while "every" focuses on the collective nature of the group as a whole.
• Regular vs. Exceptional: "Every" implies regularity or consistency, suggesting that something happens consistently or without exception. On the other hand, "each" does not imply regularity and can be used in various contexts.
• Emphasis: "Every" can be used to emphasize the importance or significance of something, while "each" does not carry the same emphasis.
• Usage in Countable and Uncountable Nouns: "Each" is typically used with countable nouns, while "every" can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. For example, "Each student" (countable) vs. "Every piece of advice" (uncountable).
• Position in a Sentence: "Each" is often used before the noun it modifies, while "every" can be used before or after the noun. For example, "Each student must attend" vs. "Every student must attend."

Conclusion

While "each" and "every" are often used interchangeably, understanding their subtle differences can enhance our grasp of the English language. "Each" emphasizes individuality and can be used to distribute or divide something among a group, while "every" focuses on the collective nature and regularity of a group. Additionally, "every" can emphasize importance or significance. By recognizing these attributes, we can use these words more accurately and effectively in our writing and communication.