A parcel clerk can check the packages one by one or explain a rule that covers the whole set. Each highlights individual members; every includes all members. Often either is possible.

The idea

Before a countable noun, both take the singular: each parcel has; every shelf needs. For a named group, use each of us or every one of us, not every of us. Every month expresses a regular interval; eight pounds each gives the price per ticket.

Examples

  • Each parcel has a tracking number.
  • Every shelf needs a label.
  • Each of us brings a different snack.
  • We check the alarm every month.
  • Almost every seat is taken.
  • The tickets cost eight pounds each.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Use almost/nearly every, not almost/nearly each. Do not mistake the plural group in each of us for the subject's grammatical number: careful written English uses each of us brings.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Each parcel ___ a tracking number. (has / have)

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    has

    has agrees with singular each parcel. The sentence considers one parcel at a time.

  2. Choose the correct option. Almost ___ seat is taken. (every / each)

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    every

    every combines with almost to mean all except a small number; almost each is not the normal pattern.

  3. Choose the correct option. ___ of us brings a different snack. (Each / Every)

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    Each

    Each of us is a complete phrase. The corresponding form with every is every one of us.

Use it today

Give a rule for all parcels, explain what each person brings to a picnic and state a monthly routine. Add a price for three identical tickets, making the price per ticket clear.