How to use ‘each’ and ‘every’

Each and every are very confusing words for some learners. They are both used with singular nouns when we are talking about two or more things. However, there are some important differences, which I’m going to help you understand in this post.

each

We can only use each in the following situations:

• When there are two objects or people.
    He is carrying two bags. Each bag weighs about 5 kilos.
• When we don’t want to repeat a noun.
    There were five boys. Each was wearing shorts and sandals.
    There were five boys. Each one was wearing shorts and sandals.
• When we consider things individually or in sequence.
    We painted each room red. (= each room individually)

every

We can only use every in the following situations:

• With adverbs (almost, practically, nearly, etc.)
    I’ve tried almost every dish on the menu.
• When we talk about repeated events.
    I see him every month.
    The Olympics are held every four years.
• When we consider things as a group.
    We painted every room red. (= all the rooms)