Cool MateEach vs Every vs Single
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Each
Top 1,000 (very common)A1
Every
Top 2,000 (common)A1determiner
Single
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
| Each | Every | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/iːtʃ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/iːtʃ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈevri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈevri/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪŋɡl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪŋɡl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Every one from a group | all the things in a group without exception | One person or thing. |
| Example | Each answer is worth 20 points. | Every student in the class passed the exam. | He prefers to live a single life without any commitments. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | determiner | adjective | |
| Collocations | each person, each item, each time | every day, every month, every time | single person, single item, single ticket, single life, single parent |
| Antonyms | none, all | none | multiple, coupled, together |
| Common mistakes | Using 'each' with plural nouns, e.g., saying 'each apples' instead of 'each apple'., Confusing 'each' with 'every' - 'each' refers to individuals, while 'every' refers to the group as a whole. | Using 'every' with plural nouns like 'every students.', Confusing 'every' with 'all' especially in non-count situations., Omitting the singular noun after 'every.' | Mixing up with 'singly' which has a different meaning., Using 'single' when referring to multiple items or people., Confusing 'single' with 'alone', which has a different connotation. |
| Usage notes | Use 'each' when talking about individual items in a group, usually when the group is small or when emphasizing individuality. Avoid using 'each' with plural nouns. | 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.' | Used to describe someone not in a relationship. In formal contexts, it can refer to a single item. Avoid using in very casual or slang conversations where 'solo' might be more suitable. |
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Frequently asked questions: Each vs Every vs Single
What's the difference between Each, Every, and Single?
Each: Every one from a group Every: all the things in a group without exception Single: One person or thing.
Which is more advanced: Each, Every, and Single?
Single is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Each, Every, and Single the same CEFR level?
Each: A1, Every: A1, Single: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Each: Each answer is worth 20 points. Every: Every student in the class passed the exam. Single: He prefers to live a single life without any commitments.
Can I use Each, Every, and Single interchangeably?
Not always. Each, Every, and Single are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.