each in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to every single item or person in a group, one by one.
  • Always followed by a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
  • Can be used alone, before a noun, or with 'of' and a plural noun.
  • Emphasizes individual focus, unlike 'all' which refers to the group collectively.
Core Meaning
The word 'each' is a determiner that refers to every individual member of a group, one after another. It emphasizes that something applies to every single person or thing in a set, without exception. It's often used when you want to highlight the singularity and independence of each item within a collection.
Usage Context
People use 'each' when they are talking about a collection of two or more things or people and want to focus on them individually. For instance, if you have a box of chocolates, you might say 'each chocolate has a different filling' to point out the variety among them. It's common in instructions, descriptions, and when distributing items. You'll hear it in everyday conversations, educational settings, and when making comparisons or statements about individual components of a larger whole.
Emphasis on Individuality
The key function of 'each' is to draw attention to the unique characteristics or treatment of every single element. Unlike 'all', which refers to the group as a whole, 'each' breaks the group down into its constituent parts. This makes it very useful for emphasizing fairness, variety, or specific actions applied to every item. For example, 'Each student received a book' highlights that no one was left out and everyone got their own copy.

Please put your name on each of your papers.

There were apples in each basket.

Distinguishing from 'Every'
'Each' and 'every' are very similar and often interchangeable, but there can be subtle differences. 'Each' tends to focus more on the individual items within a small, defined group, whereas 'every' often emphasizes the totality or inclusiveness of a larger group. For example, 'Each of the three students received an award' highlights the individual students. 'Every student in the class received an award' emphasizes that absolutely no one was missed from the entire class. However, in many contexts, they convey the same meaning.
Use with 'of'
'Each' can be used followed by 'of' and then a plural noun or pronoun. This construction further emphasizes the individual items within the plural group. For example, 'Each of the participants was given a certificate.' This is a very common structure.
As a Determiner (Before a Noun)
When 'each' comes directly before a singular noun, it specifies that the statement applies to every single item in that category. This is the most common way 'each' is used. The verb that follows must be singular. For example: 'Each child received a present.' Here, 'child' is singular, and the verb 'received' is also singular. This construction emphasizes the individual child and the gift they received.
As a Pronoun (With 'of')
'Each' can also function as a pronoun when followed by 'of' and a plural noun or pronoun. In this case, 'each' still refers to individuals, but it's presented as taking from a larger group. The verb following this structure is also singular. For example: 'Each of the students has completed the assignment.' 'Students' is plural, but 'each' singles out one student at a time, hence the singular verb 'has completed'.
As a Pronoun (Standalone)
In some contexts, 'each' can stand alone as a pronoun, usually following a plural noun or pronoun. This usage is less common but still valid. For instance: 'The team members all contributed ideas; each was valuable.' Here, 'each' refers back to 'team members' individually, reinforcing their unique contribution. The verb 'was' is singular, aligning with the singular reference of 'each'.

We discussed each point carefully.

Each of the volunteers is responsible for their own supplies.

Everyday Conversations
In casual conversation, 'each' is frequently used to talk about items or people in a familiar group. For example, when friends are discussing a shared experience, someone might say, 'Each of us had a different favorite part of the trip.' Or, when shopping, 'I bought a shirt for each of my nephews.' It's a natural way to refer to individuals within a small, understood collection. You'll also hear it when people are dividing things up: 'Here are the cookies; take one for each person in your family.'
Educational Settings
Teachers and instructors often use 'each' when giving instructions or distributing materials. 'Each student will receive a worksheet.' 'Please ensure each of you understands the instructions.' This emphasizes that every student is expected to participate and receive what is given. It's also common in subjects like math, where problems might state, 'Calculate the area of each triangle.' This directs the student to perform the calculation for every single triangle presented.
Instructions and Manuals
Technical manuals, product instructions, and guidelines often employ 'each' to ensure clarity and completeness. For instance, a user manual might say, 'Tighten each screw firmly.' This means every single screw needs to be tightened. Or, 'Check each component for damage before assembly.' This ensures a thorough inspection of every part. This usage highlights the importance of individual attention to detail for proper functioning or safety.
Comparisons and Distributions
When comparing items or distributing resources, 'each' is invaluable. In a store, a salesperson might say, 'Each of these models has its own set of features.' This invites a detailed look at every option. In a charity context, 'Each donation will help us provide food for one family.' This connects individual contributions to individual recipients. It's used to make abstract numbers more concrete by focusing on single units.

'Make sure you water each plant every day.'

The manager said, 'Each employee will get a bonus.'

Using 'Each' with a Plural Verb
One of the most frequent errors is using a plural verb after 'each'. Remember, 'each' always refers to one item or person at a time, even when discussing a group. So, instead of 'Each of the students have finished,' the correct form is 'Each of the students has finished.' Similarly, 'Each book are on the shelf' should be 'Each book is on the shelf.' This singular verb agreement is critical for grammatical correctness.
Confusing 'Each' with 'All' or 'Every'
Learners sometimes confuse 'each' with 'all' or 'every'. While similar, they have different nuances. 'All' refers to the entire group collectively, whereas 'each' focuses on individual members. 'Every' is similar to 'each' but often implies a larger, more encompassing group. For example, 'All the students passed' means the group succeeded. 'Each student passed' means every single student, individually, passed. 'Every student passed' is very similar to 'each student passed' but might feel more inclusive of a larger population.
Incorrect Placement or Omission
Sometimes, learners might omit 'each' when it's needed to convey individual focus, or place it incorrectly. For instance, saying 'The students finished their assignments' is grammatically correct but doesn't emphasize individual completion as strongly as 'Each student finished their assignment.' Conversely, using 'each' where 'all' is more appropriate can sound slightly unnatural. It's important to understand when the emphasis on individuality is necessary.
Using 'Each' with Uncountable Nouns
'Each' is used with countable nouns, typically in the singular form. It cannot be used with uncountable nouns like 'water', 'information', or 'advice'. You would not say 'each water' or 'each information'. Instead, you might use phrases like 'all the water' or 'all the information' or rephrase to focus on units if applicable, such as 'each drop of water' if you were counting drops.

Incorrect: Each of the dogs are barking.

Correct: Each of the dogs is barking.

Every
'Every' is very similar to 'each' and often interchangeable. Both refer to all members of a group. However, 'every' tends to emphasize the entirety of a group, often a larger or more abstract one, while 'each' focuses more on the individual items within a smaller, more defined set. For example, 'Every student in the school received a notice' (emphasizing the whole school) vs. 'Each student in the class received a notice' (emphasizing individuals within a specific class). Both require a singular verb.
All
'All' refers to the entire group or quantity of something. It's used with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns. Unlike 'each' and 'every', 'all' takes a plural verb when used with plural countable nouns. For instance, 'All the books are on the table' (plural verb 'are') vs. 'Each book is on the table' (singular verb 'is'). 'All the water is gone' (uncountable noun, singular verb 'is'). 'All' focuses on the sum total, not individual items.
Every single
This phrase is used to add extra emphasis to 'every' or 'each', highlighting that absolutely no exceptions are made. It's more emphatic than just 'every' or 'each'. For example, 'Every single person in the audience applauded.' This is used for strong emphasis on individual participation.
Any
'Any' typically refers to one or more people or things, chosen from a larger group, often in questions, negative statements, or conditional sentences. It implies a lack of specificity or choice. For example, 'Can any of you help me?' or 'If any problems arise, contact us.' It doesn't carry the same sense of individual focus on every single item as 'each' does.

Comparison: Each car has four wheels. (Focus on individual cars)

Comparison: All cars have wheels. (Focus on the collective)

Examples by Level

1

Each apple is red.

Each = cada, Apple = maçã, is = é, red = vermelha

'Each' is used with a singular noun ('apple') and takes a singular verb ('is').

2

Each child has a toy.

Each = cada, child = criança, has = tem, a toy = um brinquedo

'Each' is followed by a singular noun ('child') and requires a singular verb ('has').

3

Each book has 10 pages.

Each = cada, book = livro, has = tem, 10 pages = 10 páginas

Singular noun ('book') and singular verb ('has') after 'each'.

4

Each student needs a pen.

Each = cada, student = estudante, needs = precisa de, a pen = uma caneta

'Each' refers to individual students, so the verb is singular ('needs').

5

Each day is sunny.

Each = cada, day = dia, is = é, sunny = ensolarado

'Each' with a singular noun ('day') and a singular verb ('is').

6

Each flower is beautiful.

Each = cada, flower = flor, is = é, beautiful = bonita

Singular focus: 'each flower', singular verb: 'is'.

7

Each person gets one ticket.

Each = cada, person = pessoa, gets = recebe, one ticket = um bilhete

'Each' applies to every individual person, hence the singular verb 'gets'.

8

Each side of the square is long.

Each = cada, side = lado, of the square = do quadrado, is = é, long = longo

'Each' modifies the singular noun 'side'.

1

Each of the birds has a nest.

Each of the birds = cada um dos pássaros, has = tem, a nest = um ninho

When 'each' is followed by 'of' and a plural noun, the verb remains singular ('has').

2

Please put your coat on each chair.

Please = por favor, put = coloque, your coat = seu casaco, on each chair = em cada cadeira

'Each' specifies individual chairs.

3

Each team member contributed ideas.

Each = cada, team member = membro da equipe, contributed = contribuiu, ideas = ideias

'Each' emphasizes the contribution of every single member.

4

We visited each city on the tour.

We = nós, visited = visitamos, each city = cada cidade, on the tour = na turnê

'Each' indicates that every city was visited individually.

5

Each participant was given a badge.

Each = cada, participant = participante, was given = recebeu, a badge = um crachá

The verb 'was given' is singular, agreeing with 'each participant'.

6

The instructions apply to each student.

The instructions = as instruções, apply = aplicam-se, to each student = a cada estudante

'Each' ensures the instructions are relevant to every individual student.

7

There was a prize for each winner.

There was = havia, a prize = um prêmio, for each winner = para cada vencedor

'Each winner' implies a separate prize for every individual winner.

8

Each chapter has a summary.

Each = cada, chapter = capítulo, has = tem, a summary = um resumo

'Each chapter' requires a singular verb ('has').

1

Each of the applicants submitted a resume.

Each of the applicants = cada um dos candidatos, submitted = enviou, a resume = um currículo

'Each of' + plural noun + singular verb ('submitted').

2

The artist painted each landscape with vibrant colors.

The artist = o artista, painted = pintou, each landscape = cada paisagem, with vibrant colors = com cores vibrantes

'Each landscape' implies multiple paintings, each individually created.

3

You must complete each module before proceeding.

You must complete = você deve completar, each module = cada módulo, before proceeding = antes de prosseguir

'Each module' requires sequential completion.

4

Each employee is entitled to two weeks of vacation.

Each employee = cada funcionário, is entitled = tem direito a, two weeks of vacation = duas semanas de férias

Singular subject ('Each employee') takes a singular verb ('is entitled').

5

We examined each piece of evidence carefully.

We examined = nós examinamos, each piece of evidence = cada peça de evidência, carefully = cuidadosamente

'Each piece of evidence' emphasizes meticulous inspection of every item.

6

Each of the solutions offers a different approach.

Each of the solutions = cada uma das soluções, offers = oferece, a different approach = uma abordagem diferente

The singular verb 'offers' agrees with 'each'.

7

The store offers a discount on each purchase over $50.

The store = a loja, offers = oferece, a discount = um desconto, on each purchase = em cada compra, over $50 = acima de $50

The discount applies individually to every qualifying purchase.

8

Each of the attendees received a welcome packet.

Each of the attendees = cada um dos participantes, received = recebeu, a welcome packet = um pacote de boas-vindas

'Each' focuses on individual attendees receiving their packet.

1

Each of the historical artifacts has been meticulously cataloged.

Each of the historical artifacts = cada um dos artefatos históricos, has been meticulously cataloged = foi meticulosamente catalogado

'Each' requires a singular passive verb construction ('has been cataloged').

2

The professor assigned a research paper for each student.

The professor = o professor, assigned = atribuiu, a research paper = um trabalho de pesquisa, for each student = para cada estudante

Emphasizes individual assignments for every student.

3

Every effort was made to ensure each child felt included.

Every effort was made = todos os esforços foram feitos, to ensure = para garantir, each child = cada criança, felt included = se sentiu incluída

Use of 'each' to highlight individual feelings of inclusion.

4

The company provides training for each new hire.

The company = a empresa, provides = fornece, training = treinamento, for each new hire = para cada novo contratado

'Each new hire' emphasizes that training is a standard part of onboarding for every individual.

5

We need to consider the implications for each stakeholder.

We need to consider = nós precisamos considerar, the implications = as implicações, for each stakeholder = para cada parte interessada

'Each stakeholder' ensures all parties are considered individually.

6

The architect designed a unique facade for each building in the complex.

The architect = o arquiteto, designed = projetou, a unique facade = uma fachada única, for each building = para cada edifício, in the complex = no complexo

Highlights the distinct design for every individual building.

7

Each of the volunteers dedicated their time and skills.

Each of the volunteers = cada um dos voluntários, dedicated = dedicou, their time and skills = seu tempo e habilidades

'Each' focuses on the individual commitment of every volunteer.

8

The study analyzed the impact on each demographic group.

The study = o estudo, analyzed = analisou, the impact = o impacto, on each demographic group = em cada grupo demográfico

'Each demographic group' implies a separate analysis for every distinct segment.

1

Each of the proposed amendments underwent rigorous debate before ratification.

Each of the proposed amendments = cada uma das emendas propostas, underwent rigorous debate = passou por um debate rigoroso, before ratification = antes da ratificação

'Each' emphasizes the individual scrutiny of every proposed change.

2

The committee evaluated each proposal based on its innovative potential.

The committee = o comitê, evaluated = avaliou, each proposal = cada proposta, based on its innovative potential = com base em seu potencial inovador

'Each proposal' indicates a separate evaluation for every submission.

3

A comprehensive review was conducted for each phase of the project.

A comprehensive review = uma revisão abrangente, was conducted = foi realizada, for each phase = para cada fase, of the project = do projeto

'Each phase' implies a thorough assessment of every distinct stage.

4

The software is designed to optimize performance for each user's specific needs.

The software = o software, is designed = é projetado, to optimize performance = para otimizar o desempenho, for each user's specific needs = para as necessidades específicas de cada usuário

'Each user's specific needs' highlights individualized optimization.

5

The museum displayed a representative sample from each historical period.

The museum = o museu, displayed = exibiu, a representative sample = uma amostra representativa, from each historical period = de cada período histórico

'Each historical period' ensures representation from all distinct eras.

6

Each of the delegates was provided with a detailed briefing document.

Each of the delegates = cada um dos delegados, was provided with = recebeu, a detailed briefing document = um documento de briefing detalhado

'Each' emphasizes individual receipt of the briefing.

7

The research methodology involved analyzing the data from each experimental group.

The research methodology = a metodologia de pesquisa, involved analyzing = envolveu a análise, the data = dos dados, from each experimental group = de cada grupo experimental

'Each experimental group' signifies separate data analysis for every group.

8

The success of the initiative depended on the commitment of each team member.

The success = o sucesso, of the initiative = da iniciativa, depended on = dependia de, the commitment = do comprometimento, of each team member = de cada membro da equipe

'Each team member' stresses the individual contribution required.

1

Each of the philosophical arguments presented possesses a unique logical structure.

Each of the philosophical arguments = cada um dos argumentos filosóficos, presented = apresentados, possesses = possui, a unique logical structure = uma estrutura lógica única

'Each' highlights the individual, distinct logical framework of every argument.

2

The diplomat was tasked with negotiating a separate accord with each nation.

The diplomat = o diplomata, was tasked with = foi encarregado de, negotiating = negociar, a separate accord = um acordo separado, with each nation = com cada nação

'Each nation' implies individual negotiations and unique agreements.

3

The composer meticulously crafted each movement to reflect a different emotional arc.

The composer = o compositor, meticulously crafted = meticulosamente elaborou, each movement = cada movimento, to reflect = para refletir, a different emotional arc = um arco emocional diferente

'Each movement' emphasizes the individual, distinct emotional journey within the composition.

4

The legal team analyzed each clause of the contract for potential loopholes.

The legal team = a equipe jurídica, analyzed = analisou, each clause = cada cláusula, of the contract = do contrato, for potential loopholes = para possíveis brechas

'Each clause' signifies exhaustive examination of every single provision.

5

The historian emphasized that each primary source offered a distinct perspective on the event.

The historian = o historiador, emphasized = enfatizou, that each primary source = que cada fonte primária, offered = oferecia, a distinct perspective = uma perspectiva distinta, on the event = sobre o evento

'Each primary source' highlights the unique viewpoint of every individual document.

6

The review board scrutinized each application to ensure impartiality.

The review board = o conselho de revisão, scrutinized = escrutinou, each application = cada inscrição, to ensure impartiality = para garantir imparcialidade

'Each application' underscores the individual and fair assessment of every submission.

7

The architect ensured that each room in the house had ample natural light.

The architect = o arquiteto, ensured = garantiu, that each room = que cada cômodo, in the house = na casa, had ample natural light = tivesse luz natural abundante

'Each room' implies intentional design for every individual space.

8

The ethical framework required consideration of the impact on each affected community.

The ethical framework = a estrutura ética, required consideration = exigia consideração, of the impact = do impacto, on each affected community = em cada comunidade afetada

'Each affected community' ensures that every single group is individually considered.

Common Collocations

each of
each other
each day
each person
each time
each one
for each
on each
with each
every single

Common Phrases

each other

— Used to indicate a reciprocal actio

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