Grammar › Nouns & Determiners › All, Both, Every & Each
All, Both, Every & Each
These four talk about groups, but differ in number and focus:
- all — three+ as a whole, + plural/uncountable (all the cakes, all the time).
- both — exactly two, + plural (both answers).
- every / each — individuals, + singular noun and verb (every day, each person).
'Every' and 'each' take a singular verb: Every room is booked. 'Each' works for two; 'every' needs three or more.
all, both, every, each
| Word | How many | Noun & verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| all | three or more (whole) | plural/uncountable + plural verb | all the students are here |
| both | exactly two | plural + plural verb | both answers are right |
| every | three or more (as a group) | singular + singular verb | every room is booked |
| each | two or more (one by one) | singular + singular verb | each child has a book |
When to use each
1. all — the whole (3+)
- All the tickets have sold. I worked all day.
2. both — the two
- Both of my parents are teachers.
3. every / each — the individuals
- Every student passed the exam. Each answer is worth two points.
⚠️ ‘Every’ and ‘each’ are singular:
Every students are here→ Every student is here. Use each (not every) for two: There’s a door on each side.
Common mistakes
1. Plural verb after every/each. Each of them have a car → Each of them has a car.
2. ‘both’ for three or more. both my three brothers → all my three brothers.
3. ‘all’ where you mean two. all my two hands → both my hands. Pro tip: all = 3+ whole, both = 2, every/each = individuals (singular verb).
✏️ Practice: All, Both, Every & Each
1. ___ student in the class passed the exam.
2. ___ of my parents are doctors.
3. ___ the tickets have sold out.
4. Each of them ___ a different opinion.
5. There's a chair on ___ side of the table. (two sides)
6. ___ room in the hotel is fully booked.
7. I've read ___ of these books and enjoyed them. (three books)
8. Correct this: 'Every students are welcome.'
9. Correct this: 'Both my three sisters live abroad.'
10. Which words take a SINGULAR verb?
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between every and each?
Both take a singular noun and verb. 'Every' sees the whole group together (every student passed); 'each' focuses on members individually (each student got a prize). Only 'each' can be used for two.
All or both?
'Both' is for exactly two (both hands); 'all' is for three or more (all my fingers). Both take a plural verb.
Do every and each take a plural verb?
No — singular: Every seat is taken; Each answer is worth one point.
Can I say 'all of' and 'both of'?
Yes, before a pronoun or 'the': all of us, both of the cars, all of the water. Before a bare noun, drop 'of': all students, both hands.
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “All, Both, Every & Each”:
- Can use 'all' (3+) and 'both' (2) with plural/uncountable nouns and plural verbs (CEFR B1).
- Can use 'every' and 'each' with singular nouns and verbs.
- Can distinguish the whole-group sense of 'every' from the individual sense of 'each'.
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