All vs Every
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| All | Every | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Everything or everyone, without exception. | all the things in a group without exception |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | determiner | determiner |
| Usage notes | Use 'all' in both spoken and written English when referring to the entirety of a group. Avoid using 'all' when referring to a specific subset, as it implies inclusivity. | Use 'every' when referring to each individual item in a group. It's not used with plural nouns or uncountable nouns. For example, it's correct to say 'every student,' but not 'every students.' |
Frequently asked questions: All vs Every
What's the difference between "All" and "Every"?
"All" means: Everything or everyone, without exception. "Every" means: all the things in a group without exception
When should I use "All" and "Every"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "All" and "Every" the same CEFR level?
"All" is at A1, "Every" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.