Each vs. Every: Understanding the Basics: correct answers
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While "each" and "every" are both used with singular countable nouns to talk about members of a group, they have distinct grammatical rules. Use each when referring to individual members separately, especially when there are only two items involved (e.g., "He held a ticket in each hand"). Use every to talk about a group as a whole or to describe frequency (e.g., "The train arrives every hour").
In this challenge, you will navigate a variety of quirky scenarios—from clumsy robots to spoiled cats—to practice these rules. You'll learn when to use "each" for pairs (like hands or two-headed turtles), how to correctly express time intervals and frequency, and the strict rules for using these words with prepositions. For example, you'll see why "each of the suspects" is perfectly fine, but "every of the suspects" is always grammatically incorrect.
You will work through 12 questions presented in single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats. Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
Help Dr. Fizzle program his clumsy robot. Choose the correct word to complete the command.
The robot must hold a raw egg gently in ___ hand without breaking them!
The correct answer is each.
We use each (not every) when referring to exactly two things, such as a person's or robot's two hands.
All and both are incorrect here because they would require the plural noun "hands" (e.g., "in both hands").
Question 2
The correct answers are Each of the suspects has an alibi. and Every one of the suspects has an alibi.
When we want to use a plural noun ("suspects") after these quantifiers, we must use each of the or every one of the.
"Every of" does not exist in English. Furthermore, you cannot put "each" directly next to a plural noun without using "of the".
Question 3
Complete the eccentric inventor's chaotic lab report by choosing the correct word for each gap.
The new robot holds a laser blaster in each hand, which makes it look very intimidating. Unfortunately, a glitch makes the machine beep loudly every five seconds while playing disco music.
The new robot holds a laser blaster in each hand, which makes it look very intimidating. Unfortunately, a glitch makes the machine beep loudly every five seconds while playing disco music.
Use each when talking about two things (like a pair of hands). Every is only used for groups of three or more. Both cannot be used here because "hand" is singular.
Use every with plural time expressions to describe how often something happens (e.g., every five seconds, every two weeks). We do not use "each" for this kind of frequency.
Question 4
The correct answers are Each cupcake needs a cherry on top. and Every cupcake needs a cherry on top.
When talking about the members of a group (three or more), each and every are often interchangeable.
Both words must be followed immediately by a singular countable noun ("cupcake", not "cupcakes"). Remember that "every of" is never grammatically correct!
Question 5
Help the exhausted professor complete her grading notes by choosing the correct word for each blank.
Practically every student misunderstood the simple essay prompt about historical time travel. However, each of the essays was unique in its own disastrously funny logic!
Practically every student misunderstood the simple essay prompt about historical time travel. However, each of the essays was unique in its own disastrously funny logic!
Use every after adverbs like practically, almost, or nearly. (We cannot say "practically each").
Use each before of + plural noun/pronoun. We never say "every of"! Also, most is incorrect here because the verb "was" is singular, and "most of the essays" would require the plural verb "were".
Question 6
Assist Detective Crumb with his sugary investigation. Select the grammatically correct sentence.
The correct answer is Each of the suspects had powdered sugar on their shirts.
We can use each with "of the" before a plural noun (Each of the suspects).
However, we CANNOT use "every of". To use every in this way, we must add a pronoun, like "Every one of the suspects." Also, both each and every must be followed by a singular noun if "of the" is not used (e.g., "Every suspect," not "Every suspects").
Question 7
The correct answers are Each head has its own personality. and Each of the heads likes different food.
We use each when talking about two or more things. However, we only use every when talking about three or more things.
Because the turtle has exactly two heads, we must use "each" (or "each of the"). "Every" is grammatically incorrect when referring to only two items!
Question 8
The correct answers are every and each.
every is used with plural time expressions to show frequency (e.g., every two hours, every three days). We do not use each in this way.
each is correct in the second blank because it can stand alone as a pronoun to represent individual items in a group. Every cannot be used alone as a pronoun (you cannot say "every is placed"). All is incorrect because the sentence uses the singular verb "is" (it would be "all are placed").
Question 9
Help the dramatic food critic finish his harsh review by choosing the correct word for each blank.
I tasted five pies today, and each was worse than the last! I have officially rejected every single pie on this table, and my tastebuds are demanding an apology.
I tasted five pies today, and each was worse than the last! I have officially rejected every single pie on this table, and my tastebuds are demanding an apology.
Each can be used on its own as a pronoun ("each was worse"). Every must always be followed by a noun; it cannot stand alone. All is incorrect because the verb "was" is singular.
We use the emphatic phrase every single to strongly emphasize that there are no exceptions. "Each single" is grammatically incorrect.
Question 10
The correct answers are Each and every.
Each is correct because it can be followed by "of the" to act as a pronoun. "Every of the" is grammatically incorrect (you would have to say "Every one of the"). "All" is incorrect because the sentence uses the singular verb "has" (it would be "All of the students have").
every is used in the second blank because adverbs of degree like practically, almost, and nearly are only used with every. "All" would require the plural noun "excuses".
Question 11
Complete the peculiar doctor's prescription instructions. Choose the correct quantifier.
To cure your sudden urge to tap dance, you must drink this glowing green potion ___ four hours.
The correct answer is every.
We use every to talk about how often something happens (frequency) and with regular intervals, such as "every four hours," "every day," or "every three weeks." We do not use each in this way.
Question 12
The correct answers are each and every.
each is used here because a person only has two hands. We use each (not every) when referring to exactly two things. "Both" is incorrect because it requires a plural noun ("both hands").
every is correct in the second gap because words like almost, practically, and nearly can only be used with every, not each. "All" is incorrect because it requires a plural noun ("all props").