every
EHV-ree
Every (determiner) means used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions. Example: “Every student passed the exam.”
determiner
1
Used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions.
"Every student passed the exam."
"She checks every door before leaving the office."
"Every child in the class got a small prize at the end."
2
Used to show a regular interval or repeating pattern.
"Take one tablet every four hours."
"The bus stops here every twenty minutes during the day."
"My grandmother phones me every Sunday after lunch."
3
Used to emphasize a large amount of something, especially in fixed expressions.
"You have every reason to be proud of yourself."
"There is every chance that the team will win this weekend."
"She made every effort to arrive on time for the interview."
How to use every
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAll of them, one by one, without exception — or, with time words, "each one that comes around" (every day, every third week).
Common mistake
"Every" takes a singular verb: "every child needs love," not "every child need love." Don't confuse with "all," which pairs with plural nouns.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
every time
every single one
every other day
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_____ student passed the exam.
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Rhymes for every
See all rhymes for every →Frequently asked questions
What does “every” mean?
The word “every” means used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions. In plain terms, all of them, one by one, without exception — or, with time words, "each one that comes around" (every day, every third week).
How do you pronounce “every”?
“Every” is pronounced EHV-ree (/ˈɛv.(ə.)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “every” in a sentence?
Here is “every” used in a sentence: “Every student passed the exam.”
What is another word for “every”?
Words with a similar meaning to “every” include each.
What is the opposite of “every”?
The opposite of “every” — its antonyms — are no and none.
What part of speech is “every”?
“Every” is a determiner.
Is “every” a common word?
“Every” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “every” have?
“Every” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used before a singular noun to mean each one of a group, with no exceptions.
What is the difference between every and each?
Both refer to individual members of a group, but with a slight shift in focus. 'Every' treats the group as a whole — 'every seat was taken' views them collectively. 'Each' considers members one at a time — 'each seat had a number.' 'Every' also needs three or more, while 'each' can apply to just two.
What is the difference between every and all?
'Every' is followed by a singular noun and looks at group members one by one — 'every child got a prize.' 'All' takes a plural noun and views them together — 'all children got a prize.' The meaning is close, but 'every' stresses each individual, while 'all' stresses the whole group.
Is 'every' singular or plural?
'Every' is grammatically singular, even though it refers to a whole group. It takes a singular noun and a singular verb — 'every student is here,' not 'every student are here.' This catches many people out, because the meaning feels plural while the grammar stays firmly singular.
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