Cool MateEach vs Individual
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Each
Top 1,000 (very common)A1
Individual
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
Most common: Each
| Each | Individual | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/iːtʃ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/iːtʃ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Every one from a group | A single person or thing. |
| Example | Each answer is worth 20 points. | Each individual has their own unique experiences. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | each person, each item, each time | outstanding, talented, key, class, group, treat somebody as, differ, vary, no one individual, no single individual, any one individual, outstanding, talented, key, class, group, treat somebody as, differ, vary, no one individual, no single individual, any one individual |
| Antonyms | none, all | group, collection, community |
| 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. | Confused with 'individuals' when referring to a group., Omitting 'the' before 'individual' in certain contexts. |
| 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. | Commonly used to refer to a single person in various contexts. Avoid using in formal or legal contexts unless necessary, where terms like 'party' might be more appropriate. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Each vs Individual
What's the difference between Each and Individual?
Each: Every one from a group Individual: A single person or thing.
Which is more common: Each and Individual?
Each is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Each and Individual?
Individual is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Each and Individual the same CEFR level?
Each: A1, Individual: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Each: Each answer is worth 20 points. Individual: Each individual has their own unique experiences.
Can I use Each and Individual interchangeably?
Not always. Each and Individual 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.