Lesson

Each, every, each other

Individual vs collective

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Each, Every, Each other — Introduction

This lesson explains the difference between each, every, and each other, and shows how to use them correctly in sentences. We focus on form, meaning, and common business contexts where these words appear.

  • each and every both refer to all members of a group but differ in focus and usage
  • each highlights individuals one by one; every describes the group as a whole
  • each other is a reciprocal expression meaning 'one another' — used when two or more people act mutually

Table

Usage Summary for Each / Every / Each other

Usage Structure Example
each (individual focus) each + singular noun / each of + plural noun Each employee has a personal ID card.
every (general/collective) every + singular noun Every employee attended the meeting.
each of (members of a group) each of + determiner + plural noun Each of the candidates submitted a CV.
each other (reciprocal action) subject + each other + verb The team members emailed each other after the conference.
one another (reciprocal, often larger groups) subject + one another + verb Colleagues from different offices call one another weekly.

Tip

Key Rule: Singular after each/every; reciprocal use for each other

Remember the core differences and positions:

  • Use every + singular noun to speak about all members as a group: Every report is due Monday.
  • Use each + singular noun to emphasize individuals: Each manager received feedback.
  • Use each of + determiner + plural noun for a specific group: Each of the applicants passed the test.
  • Use each other for mutual actions between people: The partners respect each other.

Think: each = individuals; every = the whole set; each other = mutual action

Example

Examples in context

Each employee received a unique login for the system.

Every client received the updated contract template.

Each of the team members presented their quarterly results.

The consultants advised each other during the project review.

Tip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch for these universal errors when using each, every, or each other:

  • Using a plural noun directly after every/each (wrong: every employees) — use singular
  • Confusing each/every in meaning — each = individuals, every = the whole set
  • Using each other with a single person or with reflexive pronouns (wrong: She told each other)
  • Incorrect subject-verb agreement after each/each of (Remember singular verb after each)
  • Replacing 'each other' with 'each' or 'every' when you mean mutual action

Check noun number and whether the action is mutual before choosing each/every/each other.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check the noun form after every/each (singular or plural).

Quiz

Complete: _____ of the candidates submitted their CV.

Hint: Think about how to refer to individuals within a specific group.

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'each other' correctly?

Hint: Look for a natural mutual action between subjects.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

each

determiner/pronoun CEFR B1 //iːtʃ//

refers to every one of two or more individuals considered separately

Each participant completed the evaluation form.

GrammarPoint

every

determiner CEFR B1 //ˈɛvri//

used to refer to all members of a group collectively (followed by a singular noun)

Every department must submit its budget by Friday.

GrammarPoint

each other

reciprocal pronoun CEFR B2 //iːtʃ ˈʌðər//

expresses a mutual action or relationship between two or more people

The team members trust each other.

Expression

each of

phrase CEFR B2 //iːtʃ əv//

used before a determiner + plural noun to stress individuals within a group

Each of the clients received a personalized offer.

GrammarPoint

one another

reciprocal pronoun CEFR C1 //wʌn əˈnʌðər//

similar to 'each other', often used with larger groups or formal contexts

Colleagues from different regions support one another on projects.

Vocabulary

member

noun CEFR A2 //ˈmɛmbər//

a person who belongs to a group or organization

Each member must sign the agreement.