Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'each' to focus on individual items in a group, and 'every' to focus on the group as a whole.
- Use 'each' for two or more items; use 'every' for three or more items.
- Both 'each' and 'every' are followed by a singular countable noun and a singular verb.
- Use 'each' for small, specific groups; use 'every' for large groups or generalizations.
Overview
each 和 every 是两个非常容易混淆的限定词。对于我们中文母语者来说，这两者经常被笼统地翻译为“每一个”。然而，在英语的语境中，它们承载着完全不同的逻辑视角。理解它们的区别，是跨越 B2 进阶水平、让表达更加精准的关键。each 和 every 就像是两台不同的摄像机：each 是一台微距镜头，它强迫我们将目光聚焦在群体中的每一个“个体”上，强调个体的独立性；而 every 则是一台广角镜头，它将所有个体视为一个整体，强调的是“全部”和“无一例外”。Each employee has a desk，你是在逐一确认每个人都有桌子；而当你评价公司政策时，说 Every employee has health insurance，你是在强调这是一个普适于全体员工的规则。这种细微的差别在商务邮件、学术论文或日常沟通（比如在微信群里通知事情）中，能极大地影响你表达的语气。掌握这一点，不仅能让你避免语法错误，还能让你的英语听起来更像母语使用者，摆脱“中式英语”的痕迹。each 和 every 的运作机制，首先要明确一个核心语法点：它们在语法功能上是“单数限定词”。这意味着无论你谈论的对象有多少，它们后面必须接“单数可数名词”，且动词必须使用“单数形式”。这对于中文母语者来说是一个巨大的挑战，因为中文没有动词变位（conjugation），也没有名词复数形态，我们习惯于通过时间词（如“昨天”、“明天”）或上下文来区分，而不是通过动词的 -s 结尾。each 的核心逻辑是“原子化”（atomization）。它将一个群体分解为一个个独立的个体。在语法上，它将注意力锁定在每一个单元上。例如：Each student is responsible for their own project. 这里 is 是单数，因为它对应的是 each student 这个被拆解后的个体。中文里我们可能会下意识地想用复数，但在英语里，一旦用了 each，动词就必须保持单数。every 的核心逻辑是“归纳化”（generalization）。它构建的是一个普遍真理或全集。虽然逻辑上它涵盖了所有成员，但在语法上，它依然将这个群体视为一个整体的集合。比如：Every member of the team contributes to the success. 这里 contributes 依然是单数形式。这种“形式上的单数，逻辑上的复数”是英语语法的典型特征。对于我们来说，这需要刻意练习。你可以把它记作一个口诀：Each 和 Every 后面永远跟着“单数名词”和“单数动词”，就像是一个紧密的绑定关系，绝对不能拆散。each 和 every 的结构对比表，请务必熟记这些搭配规则，特别是 each of 的用法。Each + 单数名词 | Each student knows the answer. | 名词单数，动词单数 |Every + 单数名词 | Every student knows the answer. | 名词单数，动词单数 |Each of the + 复数名词 | Each of the students knows the answer. | 必须接 of the，名词变复数，动词仍单数 |Each of + 复数代词 | Each of them is ready. | 必须接 of，代词宾格，动词单数 |Every of... | 错误：Every of the students... | Every 绝对不能接 of |each 还是 every，取决于你想要强调的焦点。each 适用于以下场景：- 1强调群体中的个体独立性：比如
Each person has a unique fingerprint.（强调每个人都不一样）。 - 2群体数量明确且较小：比如
There are two roads; each leads to the city center.（两个东西，用each最自然）。 - 3作为代词单独使用：
The managers each received a bonus.（each可以放在动词后，every不可以）。
every 适用于以下场景：- 1强调“全部”和“无一例外”：比如
Every citizen must obey the law.（强调全员覆盖）。 - 2表示重复发生的频率：这是
every的专属地盘，each不能这样用。例如：I go to the gym every morning.（我每天早上都去健身房）。 - 3与程度副词连用：
Almost every student passed.（almost和nearly只能修饰every，不能修饰each）。
- 1动词一致性错误（L1干扰）：中文没有动词变位，我们习惯
大家都有，但在英语中，Every student have是错误的。必须是Every student has。原因在于我们的大脑倾向于根据语义（复数）而非语法结构（单数）来匹配动词。
- 1
Every of的误用：受中文“每一个的”这种结构影响，学生常写出Every of the books。记住，every是限定词，不能直接加of。如果要表达“其中每一个”，必须用each of the。
- 1对二元组使用
every：中文里我们说“两只手都有戒指”，英语中必须用each hand。因为every暗示了一个较大的集合，而each强调对两个独立个体的分别关注。
every day) |of | 不可接 of |Each 和 Every 后面真的必须用单数动词吗？Every 不能和 of 连用？Every 是一个限定词，它必须直接修饰名词。如果你想选出群体中的一部分，请使用 Each of the... 或者 All of the...。every。如果你想强调每个人都做了某事，each 和 every 在大多数情况下可以互换，但使用 each 会显得你更关注个体表现，使用 every 则显得更客观、全面。Determiner + Noun + Verb Agreement
| Determiner | Noun Type | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Each
|
Singular Countable
|
Singular
|
Each child sings.
|
|
Every
|
Singular Countable
|
Singular
|
Every child sings.
|
|
Each of the
|
Plural Countable
|
Singular
|
Each of the children sings.
|
|
Every one of the
|
Plural Countable
|
Singular
|
Every one of the children sings.
|
|
All (Comparison)
|
Plural Countable
|
Plural
|
All children sing.
|
Meanings
Distributive determiners used to refer to all members of a group individually rather than collectively (like 'all'). They emphasize that the action applies to every single member.
Individual Focus (Each)
Used when thinking about the members of a group as individuals, one by one.
“Each person in this room has a unique story.”
“The artist painted each petal with incredible detail.”
Group Focus (Every)
Used when thinking about a group as a whole, similar to 'all' but grammatically singular.
“Every student must wear a uniform.”
“I've read every book on that shelf.”
Frequency (Every)
Used to describe how often something happens at regular intervals.
“I go to the gym every morning.”
“The bus arrives every ten minutes.”
Reference Table
| 特性 | Each | Every |
|---|---|---|
|
侧重点
|
个体成员，一个接一个
|
全体成员，无一例外
|
|
群体大小
|
通常较小、明确（可以是两个）
|
较大、不确定（通常三个以上）
|
|
名词形式
|
单数可数名词
|
单数可数名词
|
|
动词形式
|
单数
|
单数
|
|
常见用法
|
强调个体、"each of the"
|
频率、普遍真理、"nearly/almost every"
|
|
代词指代
|
单数（常用 `their` 或改写）
|
单数（常用 `their` 或改写）
|
正式程度
Each employee is responsible for their own workstation. (office rules)
Every employee has to clean their desk. (office rules)
Everyone's gotta clean their own spot. (office rules)
Each of y'all needs to clear your space. (office rules)
Each vs. Every: 核心概念
Each
- 个体聚焦 One by one
- 小规模/明确群体 Often two, specific count
- Each of the 结构 Specific group reference
Every
- 整体聚焦 All without exception
- 大规模/模糊群体 General, comprehensive
- 频率 Regular intervals
Each vs. Every: 快速对比
选择 'Each' 或 'Every' 流程图
你是否在关注个体，一个接一个地看？
你是否在强调全体，无一例外？
你是否在谈论定期发生的频率？
你是否使用了 'of the' 加复数名词？
Each & Every 的常见搭配
搭配 Each
- • each other
- • each and every
- • each way
- • each time
搭配 Every
- • every day
- • every single
- • every now and then
- • every other
按水平分级的例句
I drink milk every day.
I drink milk every day.
Every child likes toys.
Every child likes toys.
Each student has a pen.
Each student has a pen.
We see him every week.
We see him every week.
Every room in the hotel is clean.
Every room in the hotel is clean.
Each of my parents is a doctor.
Each of my parents is a doctor.
I play football every Saturday.
I play football every Saturday.
Each book costs five dollars.
Each book costs five dollars.
Every one of these apples is rotten.
Every one of these apples is rotten.
Each member of the team has a different role.
Each member of the team has a different role.
I've tried every possible way to fix it.
I've tried every possible way to fix it.
They gave each of us a small gift.
They gave each of us a small gift.
Each of the candidates was interviewed separately.
Each of the candidates was interviewed separately.
Nearly every student passed the exam.
Nearly every student passed the exam.
The houses were sold for £200,000 each.
The houses were sold for £200,000 each.
Every effort was made to save the building.
Every effort was made to save the building.
Each and every person must take responsibility.
Each and every person must take responsibility.
The variables were each assigned a numerical value.
The variables were each assigned a numerical value.
He had every reason to suspect foul play.
He had every reason to suspect foul play.
Every so often, the market experiences a dip.
Every so often, the market experiences a dip.
The nuances of each and every dialect were meticulously recorded.
The nuances of each and every dialect were meticulously recorded.
Every last detail must be perfect for the gala.
Every last detail must be perfect for the gala.
They each of them held a different opinion on the matter.
They each of them held a different opinion on the matter.
The committee members, each a specialist in their field, convened at noon.
The committee members, each a specialist in their field, convened at noon.
容易混淆
Both refer to a total group, but 'Every' is singular and 'All' is plural.
Both can refer to two things, but 'Each' means both of them individually, while 'Either' means one or the other.
'Everyone' refers only to people. 'Every one' refers to each individual member of a group of things or people.
常见错误
Every students are here.
Every student is here.
I go to school each day.
I go to school every day.
Every of the boys.
Each of the boys.
He has a ring on every thumb.
He has a ring on each thumb.
Every people knows him.
Every person knows him.
Each students has a book.
Each student has a book.
I like every of them.
I like each of them.
Almost each student passed.
Almost every student passed.
They cost five dollars every.
They cost five dollars each.
Every of my friend is nice.
Every one of my friends is nice.
Each and every students must attend.
Each and every student must attend.
句型
Every ___ is ___.
Each of the ___ has ___.
I go to the ___ every ___.
They cost ___ each.
Real World Usage
I ensured that each client received a personalized follow-up.
Every time I post, I get so many comments!
Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag.
Every order comes with a free side dish.
Each variable was tested under controlled conditions.
I'm busy every single second today!
关注个体
each 就是要把每个人单独拎出来看，强调个体的独特性。Each student has a unique talent.
单数名词与动词
Each students are，正确的是：Each student is.两个时的首选
each 是更自然的选择。Each hand has five fingers.
中性代词 their
each 或 every 后面用 their。Every person should bring their own water.
Smart Tips
Replace 'Each' or 'Every' with 'He' or 'She'. If the verb sounds right with 'He', it's correct.
Remember: 'Each of the' is fine, but 'Every' needs 'one' to become 'Every one of the'.
Stick to 'every'. 'Each' sounds unnatural for time intervals unless you are being very specific.
Use 'each' to make people feel like individuals, and 'every' to make them feel like a team.
发音
Each vs Every Syllables
'Each' is one syllable /iːtʃ/. 'Every' is often pronounced as two syllables /ˈev.ri/ rather than three /ˈev.ər.i/.
Emphasis on 'Each'
I want EACH and EVERY one of you to listen.
Stressing both words adds extreme emphasis to the individual responsibility.
记住它
记忆技巧
E-A-C-H stands for 'Every Actual Component Here' (focus on the individual).
视觉联想
Imagine a line of people. 'Each' is a spotlight hitting one person at a time. 'Every' is a floodlight hitting the whole line at once.
Rhyme
For two or more, 'each' is the key. For three or more, 'every' can be.
Story
A teacher has two students. She gives 'each' student a book. Later, she goes to a huge school and tells 'every' student to study. She does this 'every' day.
Word Web
挑战
Look around your room. Identify a group of objects (like books or chairs). Describe them using 'each' for their individual colors and 'every' for their general purpose.
文化笔记
In British English, 'each' is slightly more common in formal written instructions than in American English, which often favors 'every' for general rules.
Americans frequently use 'every' in casual speech to mean 'all', even when 'each' might be more technically accurate for small groups.
Legal documents use 'each' to ensure that the law applies to every individual party separately, preventing any loophole where a group might be treated as a single entity.
'Each' comes from the Old English 'ælc', meaning 'ever-each'. 'Every' is a later development from 'æfre ælc' (ever each).
对话开场白
What is something you do every single day?
If you had three wishes, what would each wish be?
Do you think every person has a soulmate?
Describe a time when each member of your team had to work together.
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
___ student received a diploma.
Each 聚焦于个体领奖的动作。虽然 Every 在语法上也通，但 Each 在这种场合更强调每个人领奖的瞬间。Find and fix the mistake:
Every employees needs to attend the meeting.
Every 后面必须接单数名词 employee 和单数动词 needs。Choose the correct sentence:
Each of the 是正确结构，且 each 是单数主语，要求动词用 has。Every of the 永远是错的。Score: /3
练习题
8 exercisesI have a ring on ___ finger.
___ of the two candidates was excellent.
Find and fix the mistake:
Every students in the class has a laptop.
day / goes / she / every / gym / the / to
Match: 1. Two hands, 2. Daily routine, 3. Emphatic speech
Check the agreement.
The tickets are $20 ___.
___ time I see her, she's smiling.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises___ person in the room raised their hand.
The software is installed on ___ computer in the office.
Each of the children were given a toy.
I visited every town and village in that regions, and each one had its unique charm.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
将这句话翻译成英语：'每一天都是一个新的机会'
将这句话翻译成英语：'每一位客人都收到了一个小礼物'
将这些单词连成一句话：
将这些单词连成一句话：
将短语与 `Each` 或 `Every` 匹配：
将场景与最合适的词匹配：
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
No, 'every' is used for three or more. For two people, you must use 'each' or 'both'.
Yes, 'every' is always followed by a singular countable noun and a singular verb (e.g., 'Every person is...').
'Everyone' means all people. 'Every one' (two words) refers to each individual member of a group of things or people and is often followed by 'of'.
No, you must say 'each of the students' or 'each of these students'. You need a determiner (the, my, these) after 'of'.
Use 'each' at the end when talking about prices or individual amounts, like 'They cost $1 each'.
No, neither 'each' nor 'every' can be used with uncountable nouns like 'water' or 'advice'. Use 'all' or 'some' instead.
Technically yes, but it is a common idiomatic expression used for strong emphasis.
This is a fixed idiom meaning 'alternating days' (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
cada
English distinguishes between individual (each) and collective (every) focus.
chaque / tous les
English 'every' is always singular; French 'tous les' is plural.
jeder
English determiners don't change for case.
sorezore / mai-
Japanese lacks the strict subject-verb agreement found in English distributives.
kull (كل)
English uses three different words (each, every, all) where Arabic uses one with different noun states.
měi (每)
Chinese requires the adverb 'dōu' to complete the distributive sense, whereas English uses the determiner alone.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
相关视频
Related Grammar Rules
“我的一个朋友”规则（双重所有格）
你是否听过有人说 “He's a friend of my brother's”然后心想，“等等，为什么多了个's'？” 这看起来有点奇怪，对吧？几乎像个打字...
No 和 None：谈论零
Overview 你打开冰箱。你饿了。你想吃点零食。你往里看。里面 `no` 食物。你的肚子在咕咕叫。你查看手机。你的朋友中 `none` 在...
Some 和 Any: 基础数量表达
Overview 你有没有过这种经历：盯着冰箱里那盒孤零零的{酸奶|suān nǎi}，纠结着该怎么跟室友开口？你肯定不想说 "I have one yog...
All 与 The Whole：谈论总量
### Overview 在英语学习的进阶阶段（B2 水平），我们追求的不再仅仅是“把话说对”，而是如何让表达更具“精准度”和“地道感”。当...
物主形容词: my, your, his, her, its, our, their
### Overview 在英语学习的起步阶段，掌握“物主形容词”（Possessive Adjectives）是构建句子的基石。简单来说，它们就是用来表示...
