ev‧ery S1 W1 /ˈevri/
determiner [always followed by a singular countable noun][
Language: Old English;
Origin: æfre ælc 'ever each']
1. used to refer to all the people or things in a particular group or all the parts of something:
We looked carefully at every car that drove past. Every child will receive a certificate at the end of the course. I enjoyed every minute of the film. I listened carefully to every word he said.every single (=used to emphasize that you mean 'all') He seems to know every single person in the school.every last drop/bit/scrap etc (=all of something, including even the smallest amount of it) They made us pick up every last scrap of paper.2. a) used to say how often something happens
every day/week/month etc (=at least once on each day, in each week etc) They see each other every day. Richard visits his mother every week.every few seconds/ten days etc Re-apply your sunscreen every two hours. Freda had to stop to rest every hundred metres or so (=each time she had gone 100 metres). b) used to say how much distance there is between the things in a line
every few feet/ten yards etc There were traffic lights every ten yards.3. every time whenever:
The roof leaks every time it rains.4. every now and then/again (
also every so often) sometimes, but not often or regularly:
I still see her every now and then.5. every other the first, third, fifth etc or the second, fourth, sixth etc:
You only need to water plants every other day. I visit my parents every other weekend.6. one in every three/two in every hundred etc used to show how common something is:
In Britain, one in every three marriages now ends in divorce.7. the strongest or greatest possible:
We wish you every happiness in your new home. There is every chance that he will recover. We have every reason to believe that the operation will be a success. We have every intention of winning this competition.8. in every way in all ways:
The school’s much better now in every way.9. every bit as good/important etc used to emphasize that something is equally as good, important etc as something else:
Taking regular exercise is every bit as important as having a healthy diet. I loved him every bit as much as she did.10. every Tom, Dick, and Harry spoken used to mean ‘everyone’ or ‘anyone’, especially when you disapprove because there is no limit on who can be included:
I didn’t want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing about my private life.11. every which way American English informal in every direction:
The kids ran off every which way. ⇒
every inch at
inch1(3)
GRAMMAREvery is used before a singular noun. Use a singular verb after it:
Every member wears a uniform.Every is usually used with a singular pronoun or determiner (he, she, it, his, himself etc):
Every player did his best.However, you can use 'they', 'them', 'their' etc when you do not want to say whether people are male or female:
Every child has their own room. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
everydeterminer1. 
BAD: There was a representative from every countries.
GOOD: There was a representative from every country.
BAD: Every mornings I give him his breakfast.
GOOD: Every morning I give him his breakfast.
Usage Note:every + singular count noun: 'I understood every word.'
2. BAD: Every job have its good points.
GOOD: Every job has its good points.
Usage Note:every + noun + singular verb: 'Every child was given a red balloon.'
3. BAD: I have to visit the hospital every six week.
GOOD: I have to visit the hospital every six weeks.
Usage Note:'every day', 'every week' BUT 'every two days', 'every six weeks'
4. BAD: On every Saturday afternoon I play tennis.
GOOD: Every Saturday afternoon I play tennis.
5. See PERSON 1 (
person), PEOPLE 1 (
people)
6. See TIME 8 (
time)
7. BAD: The shop sells every thing, from toothbrushes to radios.
GOOD: The shop sells everything, from toothbrushes to radios.
Usage Note:Every thing (two words) is not common and is used only when things are considered as separate items: 'She worries about every silly little thing.'
8. BAD: This example shows how computers affect our every day life.
GOOD: This example shows how computers affect our everyday life.
Usage Note:See note at EVERYBODY (
everybody)
9. BAD: Every one was tired of listening to her voice.
GOOD: Everyone was tired of listening to her voice.
Usage Note:See note at EVERYONE 1 (
everyone)
10. BAD: There aren't enough jobs for every body.
GOOD: There aren't enough jobs for everybody.
Usage Note:everybody (one word) = each person; everyone: 'One day everybody will be able to travel to the moon.'
every body (two words) = each (dead) body: 'Every body was collected from the battlefield and given a proper burial.'
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲