Lesson

All (of), whole, every, each - advanced

Precise quantification

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

All (of), whole, every, each — advanced

This lesson explains the nuanced differences between all (and all of), whole, every and each. These determiners and pronouns are used to talk about quantities and groups, but they differ in grammar, meaning and emphasis. Understanding when to use each one will help you write and speak precisely in professional contexts.

  • All and all of refer to the total quantity: use with plural nouns or uncountable nouns; use all of with pronouns or when a determiner follows.
  • Whole emphasizes entirety (the entirety of a single entity or unit) and is used with singular count nouns or uncountable nouns.
  • Every refers to all members of a group considered individually; it is followed by a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
  • Each emphasizes individuality within a group and is used with singular verbs; it can appear before or after the noun (each of + plural).

Table

Usage and examples

Form Use Example
all Refers to the total quantity (plural nouns or uncountable). Can be determiner or pronoun. All the reports were delivered by Friday.
all of Used before pronouns or with determiners: emphasizes the entire group/object. All of the team received the memo. / All of them agreed.
whole Emphasizes the entirety of a single unit or an uncountable amount. The whole proposal needs revision. / We reviewed the whole document.
every Refers to each member of a group as a general rule; singular noun and singular verb. Every employee must complete the compliance course.
each Emphasizes individuality; often used when members are considered separately. Can be used as each of + plural. Each applicant will be interviewed. / Each of the candidates was interviewed separately.

Tip

Key rule: agreement and emphasis

Remember the main grammatical differences:

  • Use all (or all of) for the total amount; with pronouns use all of (e.g., all of them).
  • Use whole to refer to the entirety of a single entity (the whole team, the whole file).
  • Use every + singular noun and singular verb to generalize about all members of a group.
  • Use each to highlight individuality; after a determiner: each of the managers.

Check subject-verb agreement: every/each → singular verb; all → plural verb when referring to plural nouns.

Example

Examples in context

All the invoices were processed before the meeting.

All of the clients have received the updated contract.

The whole team supported the new strategy.

Each employee will receive a personalized training plan.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors when choosing between all, whole, every and each. Watch for these:

  • Using plural verbs with every/each (wrong: Every employee have… → correct: Every employee has…).
  • Using whole with a plural noun when you mean 'all' (wrong: the whole employees → correct: all the employees / the whole staff).
  • Confusing all vs. all of: all of is needed before pronouns (all of them) or with a determiner for emphasis.
  • Using every with plural nouns (wrong: every employees).
  • Replacing each with every when you need to stress individuality (each raises focus on individuals).

When in doubt, check noun number and whether you want to emphasize the individual members or the group as a whole.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check subject-verb agreement with a plural pronoun.

Quiz

Complete: _____ employee must complete the security questionnaire before travel.

Hint: Look at the noun form - is 'employee' singular or plural?

Quiz

Which sentence is correct?

Hint: Focus on singular vs plural noun forms and verb agreement.

Key Points

Vocabulary

all

determiner/pronoun CEFR B1 //ɔːl//

the whole quantity or number; everyone or everything

All the documents were uploaded to the server.

GrammarPoint

all of

determiner/pronoun phrase CEFR B2 //ɔːl əv//

used before pronouns or determiners to refer to the entire group or amount

All of the team attended the briefing.

Vocabulary

whole

adjective CEFR B2 //hoʊl//

entire; complete — referring to a single unit or amount

We reviewed the whole contract before signing.

GrammarPoint

every

determiner CEFR B2 //ˈɛvri//

each one in a group considered separately; followed by a singular noun and verb

Every manager must approve the budget.

GrammarPoint

each

determiner/pronoun CEFR B2 //iːtʃ//

used to refer to individual members of a group, often to emphasize individuality

Each participant received a certificate.

Vocabulary

entire

adjective CEFR B2 //ɪnˈtaɪər//

with no part left out; whole

The entire department participated in the audit.