Definitions of Each and Every
Getting the hang of when to use “each” and “every” can really up your English game. They might seem to be peas in a pod, but they’re not twins.
Meaning of Each
“Each” is all about picking out individual things from a group, like you’re looking at them one by one.
- Example: “Each student in the class got a certificate.” Think of it as sorting apples one at a time from a basket.
- Definition: Each means focusing on separate items within a group. Check out Dictionary.com for more.
Meaning of Every
“Every” paints the picture of a group in its entirety. No one’s left out; it’s a big, friendly embrace of everything together.
- Example: “Every student in the class got a certificate.” This feels like the whole class is getting certificates all at once.
- Definition: Every talks about all parts as a collective unit. Curious? Visit Vocabulary.com.
Even though these words might trick you with their similarities, nailing their differences can keep your language sharp. If you’re into fine-tuning words, check out our pieces on do versus does or duties versus responsibilities.
Usage Differences
The words “each” and “every” get tossed around like candy at a parade, but they’re not as interchangeable as you might think. Knowing when to grab one or the other can make your speech sharper than a tack.
Common Usage of Each
“Each” zooms in on the solo acts in a crowd. It’s about pointing the finger at individuals who are part of a gang but aren’t blending in. So, when you say “each student got a book,” you’re saying every kiddo was handed their own personal read, like a solo mission.
Examples:
- “Each guest got a welcome gift.”
- That means folks got their swag bags personally.
- “Each apple in the basket is fresh.”
- You’re the aficionado examining them one by one.
| Context | Usage |
|---|---|
| Classroom | “Each student has a different textbook.” |
| Sports Team | “Each player has a unique jersey number.” |
| Workplace | “Each employee is assigned a different task.” |
For more nitty-gritty differences, take a look at the difference between discrete and continuous variable.
Common Usage of Every
“Every” is the team player here—it ropes in all the members of a squad without spotlighting anyone special. When you say “every student got a book,” you’re saying the whole class got hooked up, together in unison.
Examples:
- “Every guest enjoyed the party.”
- The shindig was a hit with the lot of ’em.
- “He visits every national park.”
- He’s on a mission to check off the whole map.
| Context | Usage |
|---|---|
| Classroom | “Every student must submit homework by Friday.” |
| Sports Team | “Every player must attend practice.” |
| Workplace | “Every employee contributes to the success of the company.” |
If you’re into more word differences, the difference between economic and non-economic activities is worth a peek.
Mastering “each” and “every” is like finding the right key for your communication locks. Once you’re on this wavelength, words like the difference between economics and finance and the difference between everyday and every day will seem like a walk in the park.
Distinction in Context
Getting the lowdown on the difference between “each” and “every” can really sharpen how you say stuff. Let’s break it down, looking at how they handle groups versus individuals, and how they include things or stick to pointing out specifics.
Group vs. Individual Emphasis
When you say “each,” you’re talking about individual folks or items in a group. It’s like shining a spotlight on each one. Like saying, “Each student got a certificate,” you’re highlighting that every single kid got their own thing (Dictionary.com).
On the flip side, “every” covers all members as a whole, but still kinda nods to them individually. It’s about the whole kit and caboodle. So, “Every student got a certificate” makes it clear every kid in the group got one, focusing more on the group vibe (Vocabulary.com).
| Category | Each | Every |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Individual items in a group | All items in a group collectively |
| Usage Example | Each student got a certificate | Every student got a certificate |
| Semantic Focus | Individuality | Completeness |
Inclusivity and Specificity
“Each” is more like a spotlight on specific, exclusive stuff, often used with smaller, manageable groups. Think, “Each of the five finalists presented their projects.” You’re laser-focused on the particular few.
Meanwhile, “every” leans more inclusive and wide-ranging, usually with bigger groups or when you want to hit on the whole shebang. “Every citizen has the right to vote” means all citizens, as in, the whole crowd, got this right, without singling out individuals.
| Aspect | Each | Every |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | More specific and exclusive | More inclusive and general |
| Group Size | Smaller, defined groups | Larger, more general groups |
| Example Usage | Each of the five finalists presented | Every citizen has the right to vote |
| Situational Focus | Specific items or individuals in a group | Inclusiveness of the group as a whole |
For more tidbits, check out our piece on the difference between disinterested and uninterested for more Word Wars and have-a-go at distinguishing words. Also, take a peek at economic versus non-economic activities for a broader picture.
Synonyms and Interpretations
Getting a grip on how “each” differs from “every” helps when figuring out when they’re interchangeable and what their synonyms might be.
Interchangeability of Terms
“Each” and “every” can swap spots sometimes, but it’s all about context. As explained by Merriam-Webster, both words highlight individual stuff within a crowd. But there’s a tiny twist. “Each” zooms in on one thing at a time. Meanwhile, “every” looks at the whole bunch, treating them separately yet all together.
Picture this: if someone plans to check out “each” national park in the US, they’re all about the particular stops at individual parks. Say “every” national park, and they’re talking about tackling all 59 parks as a big ole group—but still hitting them one by one. This idea ties in with insights from Vocabulary.com.
Synonyms for Each and Every
Knowing a few synonyms can help shed light on how “each” and “every” paint their own pictures.
| Term | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Each | Individual, Single, One by one |
| Every | All, Each and every, All and every |
So, “each” is like saying “individual” or “one by one,” giving a nod to the separate handling of things. “Every,” on the flip side, covers all the items, treating them both separately and altogether.
- Each: Use it when you want to highlight individuality in a group. Saying “each student” means you’re viewing every student one by one.
- Every: Use it when talking about inclusivity. “Every student” ropes in all students together, yet individually.
According to the Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, “each and every” is a combo that loudly declares total inclusivity.
For a deeper dive into similar language puzzles, check out our pieces on the difference between discrete and continuous variable and the difference between do and does.
Examples in Sentences
Getting the hang of “each” and “every” can make you sound way clearer. Let’s break it down with some examples to show how these little words change things up in sentences.
Practical Usage of Each
“Each” zooms in on one thing at a time in a group, highlighting what’s special about any single member.
- Each student has to turn in their homework on time.
- She handed each kid a present.
- Each participant got a medal.
- They locked up each door, double-check!
- The teacher chatted with each parent during the meeting.
| Sentence | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Each student must submit their homework on time. | Individual student |
| She gave each of her children a gift. | Individual child |
| Each participant received a medal. | Individual participant |
| They checked each door to ensure it was locked. | Individual door |
| The teacher spoke to each parent at the meeting. | Individual parent |
In case you wanna get more into it, swing by the difference between duties and responsibilities.
Practical Usage of Every
“Every” ropes in the whole group as a bunch, pointing at how they’re all in the same boat.
- Every student in the class nailed the exam.
- Every morning, she hits the pavement for a jog.
- He’s been to every country in Europe.
- She’s at every meeting, no exception.
- Every item in the store had a sale tag.
| Sentence | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Every student in the class passed the exam. | All students |
| Every morning, she goes for a jog. | All mornings |
| He visited every country in Europe. | All countries |
| She attends every meeting diligently. | All meetings |
| Every item in the store was on sale. | All items |
Need more clarity? Check out the difference between everyday and every day.
These examples help show the different places where “each” and “every” fit. Paying attention to the small stuff can really help you make your point.
For more insights like these, don’t miss out on the difference between equity and equality or the difference between error of omission and commission.