each
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈiːtʃ/
US
- /ˈitʃ/
Description
- one by one
- every single one
- per person
- per item
"Each" isn't just about counting; it's about attention. Think of a baker carefully decorating each cupcake with a tiny, perfect swirl. It emphasizes individuality within a group. You might say, "I ate each cookie slowly, savoring the flavor," when you want to focus on them one by one.
"Each" often appears when talking about distributing something equally – "One for each of you!" – or highlighting that every member of a group receives the same treatment. It can also mean "every one" as in, "Each day brought new challenges." Sometimes it's paired with "and every," to really drive home the completeness: "Each and every student received a certificate."
The word "each" signifies individuality within a group, emphasizing that something applies to every single member or item separately. It's more than just saying "all"; it highlights the distinctness of each element. For example, "She carefully wrapped each gift" suggests attention was given to every individual present, not just the act of wrapping in general.
"Each" is frequently used when distributing items equally: "There were enough slices for each person at the table." It also appears in contexts where you want to emphasize that something applies to every member of a group without exception. "Each student must submit their assignment by Friday."
While often interchangeable with "every," "each" tends to focus on individual items or people considered one-by-one, while "every" emphasizes the entire group as a whole. Think about it this way: you might say "Every cloud has a silver lining," speaking generally about all clouds. But if you're examining a photograph of several clouds, you could say, "Look at each cloud – they're all unique!"
"Each" can also be used to emphasize completeness or thoroughness, often paired with the word "and every." For example: "She checked each and every drawer before leaving."
So whether it's about individual attention, equal distribution, or complete coverage, "each" is a powerful little word that highlights the importance of individuality within a larger whole.
Examples
- 1
School supplies
Each student needs a notebook and a pen.
- 2
Reading task
Read each sentence aloud.
- 3
Event guests
Each of the guests received a handwritten card.
- 4
Shared memory
Each of us remembers the trip a little differently.
- 5
Individual habits
We each have our own way of learning.
- 6
Per person
The children were given a juice box each.
- 7
Price per item
These bowls cost ten dollars each.
- 8
Repeated events
Each time I call, I get sent to voicemail.
- 9
Separate answers
I asked three people for directions, and each gave me a different answer.
- 10
Mutual action
The two teams congratulated each other after the match.
Phrase
each other
one another
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- eachadjectiveadverb