All, Both, Each, Every
Distinguishing between all, both, each, and every for groups
When to Use All, Both, Each, Every
- •All: entire group (3+): All students passed the exam.
- •Both: two items together: Both answers are correct.
- •Each: individuals in a group (2+): Each student received a certificate.
- •Every: all members without exception (3+): Every student must attend.
- •All/Both + plural noun; Each/Every + singular noun
How to Form All, Both, Each, Every
Affirmative (+)
All/Both + plural noun | Each/Every + singular noun
Negative (-)
Not all students passed. / Neither (not both) answer is correct.
Question (?)
Did all students pass? / Did every student pass?
💡 Both = exactly two. All/Every = three or more. Each = two or more (individual focus).
Examples of All, Both, Each, Every
✓Both children are sleeping.
✗Both child is sleeping.
Both + plural noun.
✓Every student has a textbook.
✗Every students have textbooks.
Every + singular noun + singular verb.
✓Each of the answers is correct.
✗Each of the answers are correct.
Each + singular verb (even with 'of the answers').
Common Mistakes with All, Both, Each, Every
💡 Practice Tips for All, Both, Each, Every
- • Both = 2 items; All/Every = 3+ items
- • Each = individual focus; Every = group without exception
- • All + plural; Every/Each + singular
- • Each of + plural noun + singular verb
- • All of us/them; Both of us/them; Each of us/them
Quick Quiz
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