Each - Every
The distributives each and every are both related to describing members of a group
The distributives each and every are both related to describing members of a group. These distributives can only be used with countable nouns by being placed before the nouns. In many cases, they are interchangeable but there is a subtle difference between them.
Each person is unique
Every person is unique
Distributive Each
Each is used to describe and highlight an individual member of a group, or multiple individuals. By using each you recognise the item is a part of a group, but that it also needs to be pointed out as a singular item too.
Each book on the shelf had a unique cover
Each can be used with plural nouns and pronouns but must be followed by of.
Each of the pupils received a Christmas card
Each can be used after the subject or at the end of a sentence.
My siblings each have their own room
My mother gave my sister and I £20 each (=gave £20 to each of us.)
Distributive Every
Every by constrast is a way of referring to the group as a collection of individual members. Every cannot be used with plural nouns
Every boys in my class wanted that computer game. Every boy in my class wanted that computer game
Every can express different points in a series, especially with time expressions.
Every morning Phillip goes for a run
And every time Ann would forgive him
Guided Practice
Use each to describe and highlight an individual member of a group. By using each you recognise the item is a part of a group, but that it also needs to be pointed out as singular item too.
- .................... contestant had something special about them.
Each can be used with plural nouns and pronouns but must be followed by of.
- .................... us wanted to volunteer for the project. And .................... the members filled in the application form.
- My parents .................... have their own car.
- I bought three pairs of shoes £20 .................... . (=each pair of shoes cost £20)
Every is a way of referring to the group as a collection of individual members. Every cannot be used with plural nouns.
Every people want to live a happy live. .................... wants to live a happy life.
Every can express different points in a series, especially with time expressions.
- .................... time I say something my brother gets annoyed.
Short Story using Distributives Each - Every
-Have you heard of Crystal's upcoming wedding? They are throwing a huge party with 300 guests invited.
-That's a lot of people!
-Yeah, and each of the guests received a handwritten invitation. Could you believe that?
-Maybe they wanted everyone to feel welcomed.
-I could have never done something like that! That's just insane and sounds like a total waste of time.
-Well, to each his own, I suppose.
Independent Practice
Fill in the gaps with each or every.
- My two sisters .................... have their own business.
- I live with a roommate, so we are paying £500 .....................
- .................... of the board directors signed the papers.
- Stop being so judgemental! As they say, to .................... his own.
- .................... day I read 20 pages of a book.
Rewrite the sentences so that they have a similar meaning and contain the distributive in brackets.
- Whenever I tell you to calm down, you snap at me. (every)
- Susan, Megan, Kelly and I got free tickets to the cinema. (each)
- The police searched all the buildings in the neighbourhood. (every)
- Different people like different things. (each)
- I was looking for you everywhere! And all of our friends were trying to reach you too! (each)