All, Every, Each, Both

All, Every, Each, Both – What’s the Difference and How to Use Them?

At B2 and C1 levels, learners often struggle with words like all, every, each, both — not because they’re hard to understand on their own, but because the differences between them can be so subtle. All of them make reference to quantities or groupings in one way or another, but understanding which one to use when will greatly improve your accuracy and fluency. Let’s break them down using precise guidelines and real-world examples.

ALL

“All” refers to the entire group of people or things. It expresses 100% of a group, often without exception. We use it with plural countable and uncountable nouns, with definite articles, possessives, or demonstratives.

Structure:

• All + plural noun
• All + uncountable noun
• All (of) + the/my/these/those + noun
• All + pronoun (them/us/you)

Example sentences:

• All children need love and guidance.
• She drank all the milk in the fridge.
• I’ve read all of these books.
• All of us were surprised by the news.
• He lost all his money in one day.
• All is forgiven. (formal/literary use)

Notes:

• “All” focuses on the group as a whole.
• You can omit “of” before pronouns in informal speech: “All of them” → “All them” (but the former is preferred in writing).

All, Every, Each, Both

EVERY

“Every” refers to each individual member of a group, seen as part of a whole. It implies without exception. It is only applicable to singular countable nouns, while plural or uncountable nouns are not used with it.

Structure:

• Every + singular noun
• Every + time expression (day/week/year/etc.)

Example sentences:

• Every student in the class passed the exam.
• She goes running every morning.
• Every mistake is a chance to learn.
• They check the equipment every six months.
• I’ve enjoyed every minute of this trip.

Notes:

• “Every” emphasises the individual units within the group.

For plural emphasis, use “all”:

❌ Every students passed.

✅ All the students passed.

All, Every, Each, Both

EACH

“Each” also refers to individual items or people, but it places more emphasis on them one at a time. It is used with singular countable nouns and it can be used as a pronoun or a determiner. It is quite common when the focus is on the individual.

Structure:

• Each + singular noun
• Each of + the/my/these/those + plural noun
• As a pronoun: Each + verb

Example sentences:

• Each student has a locker.
• I gave each of them a small gift.
• They each took a turn speaking.
• Each day brings new opportunities.
• I’ve read each of the reports.

Notes:

“Each” is more personal or focused than “every”. It can be used with a singular verb even when referring to two or more people.

All, Every, Each, Both

BOTH

“Both” means two people or things together. It refers to a pair, not more. It is used only with two items. It works with verbs, pronouns, and nouns. It can serve as a determiner or a pronoun.

Structure:

• Both + plural noun
• Both (of) + the/my/these/those + plural noun
• Both + pronoun (us/them/you)

Example sentences:

• Both cats are sleeping.
• I like both of these books.
• Both of them were invited.
• Both are important, but in different ways.
• She speaks both English and French fluently.

Notes:

With plural subjects using “both,” use a plural verb.

✅ Both of the players were injured.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!