WordGarden.ioevery
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛvri/
US
- /ˈɛvəri/
Meanings
Determiner
each member of a group without exception
used with a time expression to mean at regular repeated intervals
Beyond the definition
"Every" points to all members of a group, with no exceptions. Think of it as including each person or thing in that group. You might say, "Every cloud has a silver lining," meaning that all clouds, no matter how dark, carry some hope. Or perhaps, "Every year, the birds return," meaning the birds come back each year. It is also often used to show frequency: "I call my mom every day" means I call her on all days.
The little word "every" carries a surprising amount of weight. It shows that all people or things in a group are included, leaving no one and nothing out. It is about completeness. Think of it like this: if you promise to give a treat to "some" students who do well on a test, you are only rewarding part of the group. But if you say, "Every student who does well will receive a treat," you are promising a reward to all successful students.
"Every" is often used with nouns to describe frequency or regularity: "Every Tuesday we have pizza." It can also emphasize the individual within a group, as in "Every person deserves respect." It's important to note that "every" is typically followed by a singular noun—you wouldn't say "every students," but rather "every student."
Sometimes, "every" is used for emphasis. Saying "Every little bit helps" isn't just about small contributions; it highlights the importance of all contributions, no matter how minor they seem.
So, whether describing a regular habit, a general truth, or an inclusive promise, "every" signals that nothing and nobody is left out. It is a word that brings the full group into view.
Examples
- 1
Daily routine
I take this medicine every morning.
- 2
Schedule
The bus stops here every thirty minutes.
- 3
Neighborhood
She knows every street in this neighborhood.
- 4
Classroom
Every child in the class got a sticker.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Listening
I heard every word he said.
- 6
Repeated problem
Every time I open this app, it freezes.
- Phraseevery time
whenever this happens
- 7
Partial negative
Not every answer was correct.
- Grammarnot every
some were, but not all
- 8
List checking
She checked every one of the names on the list.
- Patternevery one of + a group
each single person or thing in that group
- 9
Occasional activity
We go out for dinner every now and then.
- Phraseevery now and then
sometimes, but not regularly
- 10
Alternating days
I only water these plants every other day.
- Phraseevery other day
one day, then not the next day
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- everyadjective