1 We use each before a singular noun.

Each + singular noun

 

Each new day is different.

2 We use each of before a pronoun or a determiner (for example the, my, these). The pronoun or noun is plural.

each of us/you/them

each of + determiner + plural noun

 

She bought a different present for each of us.

I write to each of my children once a week.

After each of . . . a verb is usually singular, but it can be plural in an informal style.

Each of them has his own way of doing things.

(More informal: Each of them have their own way …

3 Each can come after an indirect object (but not usually a direct object).

indirect object + each

 

I bought the girls each an ice-cream.

She sent them each a present.

4 We can use each without a noun, but each one is more common.

I’ve got five brothers, and each (one) is quite different from the others.

5 Each can go with a verb, in mid-position’, like some adverbs.

auxiliary verb + each

be + each

 

They have each got their own rooms.

We are each going on a separate holiday this year.

You are each right in a different way.

We each think the same.

They each want to talk all the time.

Each and Every

1 We use each to talk about two or more people or things.

We use every to talk about three or more. (Instead of every two we say both).

2 We say each when we are thinking of people or things separately, one at a time.

We say every when we are thinking of people or things together, in a group. (Every is closer to all.)

Compare:

We want each child to develop in his or her own way.

We want every child to be happy.

Each person in turn went to see the doctor.

He gave every patient the same medicine.

The difference is not always very great, and often both words are possible.

You look more beautiful each/every time I see you.