Each / Every / All

Each, every, and all are three of the most commonly confused determiners in English. They all refer to groups, but from different perspectives: each focuses on individuals, every covers the complete group, and all expresses the total quantity. This A1–B1 lesson covers each, every and all exercises with answers — practise quantifiers online with multiple choice questions and printable PDF worksheets.

To choose correctly, you need to understand 3 Words, 3 Perspectives:

The key structural rule: "every" NEVER takes "of". You can say "each of" and "all of," but never "every of." This is the single biggest mistake learners make with these three words.

If you're not yet confident about countable and uncountable nouns, review that lesson first — it affects whether you can use each/every (countable only) or all (both types).

Each vs Every: Basic Differences

Both each and every are followed by a singular noun and take a singular verb. The difference is the perspective:

Each = Individual Focus

Each looks at group members one by one, as separate individuals:

• She looked at each photo one by one before choosing.
• The teacher gave each student a different exercise.
• Each member of the team has a specific role.

Signals for "each": different, individual, one by one, separately

Every = Group Focus

Every looks at the group as a whole, emphasising completeness:

• Every student in the class passed the exam.
• He goes to the gym almost every day.
• Not every student can afford a new laptop.

Signals for "every": always, never, almost, nearly, without exception

The "Each of" Rule

Each can be followed by of + determiner + plural noun:

• Each of the three children received a prize.
• Each of them has a window.
• Read each of the five questions carefully.

Every cannot take "of" directly:

• ✅ Each of the students...
• ❌ Every of the students...
• ✅ Every one of the students... (use "every one of" if you need "every" + "of")

Fixed Expressions

Some combinations only work with one word:

None of these work with "each":

• ❌ each single, almost each, nearly each

The Two-Item Rule

With exactly two items, use each (not every):

• She tried on two dresses and liked each one. ✅
• There are two doors. Each door is a different colour. ✅
• ❌ Every door (requires three or more items)

👉 Practice Each vs Every →

All: Plural Nouns, Uncountable Nouns and All Of

While each and every work with singular countable nouns, all works with plural countable and uncountable nouns.

All + Plural Noun

All + Uncountable Noun

Since uncountable nouns cannot take each or every, all is the only option:

• All the information on this website is free.
• All luggage must be checked before boarding.
• Not all the food was fresh.
• All of the milk has gone bad.

Mid-Position All

All can go in mid-position — after be, after modal verbs, or between subject and main verb:

Mid-position "all" means the same as "all of us/them" but sounds more natural in speech.

All Day vs Every Day

This is a common confusion point:

• I'll be away all next week. (the whole week)
• I go jogging every morning. (each morning repeatedly)

👉 Practice All with Plural & Uncountable Nouns →

All vs Whole and Advanced Patterns

All the … vs The whole …

Both mean "the entire," but the word order is different:

Both are correct, but "the whole" is often more natural in everyday English:

• All the morning = the whole morning
• All my family = my whole family
• All the truth = the whole truth

Rule: "Whole" always sits between the determiner and the noun: the/a/my/his + whole + noun.

Every + Number + Plural Noun (Intervals)

Use every + a number to express regular intervals:

Every Other (Alternating)

Every other + singular noun means "every second one":

• I water the plants every other day. (one day yes, one day no)
• She visits her parents every other weekend.

Don't confuse: "every other" (alternating) with "each other" (reciprocal — see below).

Compound Pronouns: Everyone, Everything, Everywhere

When every combines with -one, -thing, -where, it becomes a pronoun that can stand alone as a subject:

These always take a singular verb: "Everything has its advantages."

Note: "Every" alone is a determiner and always needs a noun: "Every knows" → "Everyone knows" or "Every person knows."

Each as Pronoun and Adverb

Each has two special uses beyond being a determiner:

1. Pronoun (standing alone):

• They have three children and each goes to a different school.
• (= each child / each one)

2. Adverb (at the end, meaning "per item"):

• The tickets cost £15 each. (= £15 per ticket)
• I gave them two apples each. (= two apples per person)

Each Other (Reciprocal Pronoun)

Each other is a fixed expression meaning "one another" — it's a reciprocal pronoun, not a use of the determiner "each":

• We see each other at work every day. (= I see you and you see me)
• They've known each other since primary school.

👉 Practice All vs Whole & Advanced Patterns →

Choosing the Right Word: Decision Guide

When you're unsure which word to use, follow this decision process:

Quick Decision Tree

1. Is the noun uncountable? (information, luggage, furniture, water...) → Use all. (Each and every cannot be used with uncountable nouns.)

2. Are there only two items? → Use each. (Every requires three or more.)

3. Is there an "of" structure? (___ of the students) → Use each of or all of. (Never every of.)

4. Is there "almost," "nearly," or "single"? → Use every. (Almost/nearly each is ungrammatical.)

5. Are you emphasising individuals (one by one, different)? → Use each.

6. Are you making a general statement about the whole group? → Use every (+ singular) or all (+ plural).

Side-by-Side Comparison

👉 Practice Mixed Each, Every & All →

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Quick Summary

The Framework: 3 Words, 3 Perspectives

5-Step Decision Process

1. Uncountable? → all
2. Only 2 items? → each
3. "of" structure? → each of / all of (never every of)
4. "almost/nearly/single"? → every
5. Individuals vs group? → each (individuals) / every or all (group)

Word Order: All vs Whole

Practice Tips

1. Remember the "of" rule first: "Every of" is never correct. If you need "of," choose "each of" or "all of." This single rule prevents the most common error.

2. Look for signal words: "Almost," "nearly," and "single" always pair with "every." "One by one," "different," and "individually" point to "each."

3. Check the noun type: Uncountable nouns (information, luggage, furniture) can only take "all." If the noun is uncountable, the choice is already made.

4. Distinguish "all day" from "every day": "All day" = the entire duration of one day. "Every day" = each day (habitual). This is a common test question.

5. Practise "each" at the end: "£15 each" and "two apples each" are very natural in spoken English. This adverb use of "each" is worth mastering.

Practice All Exercises

Ready to practise everything you've learned? These each, every and all exercises are available as multiple choice questions with answers and online worksheets from A1 to B1:

👉 Start with Set 4: Mixed Practice for a comprehensive review of all each, every and all rules!