each, every, all, both, either, neither

These words say how many members of a group you mean. Some are for any number, and some are only for two.

Every and each: singular

Every and each are followed by a singular noun and a singular verb. Every sees the group as a whole: all of them, without exception. Each looks at the members one by one.

Each can be used for two things; every needs three or more.

All: plural

All goes with a plural noun and a plural verb, or with an uncountable noun.

All day, all week mean the whole day or week. Every day, every week mean on each day or week.

Both, either, neither: two things

For exactly two:

• both – the one and the other (plural verb)
• either – one or the other, it doesn't matter which
• neither – not the one and not the other

With of

Before the, my, these or a pronoun (us, them), add of after each, either, neither. With all and both, of is optional before a noun but needed before a pronoun.

Common mistakes

• × Every students has a book. → Every student has a book.
• × Every student have a book. → Every student has a book.
• × All the student are here. → All the students are here.
• × Both of they came. → Both of them came.
• × Neither of my friends didn't come. → Neither of my friends came.