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every and all

Every and all can both be used to talk about people or things in general, or about all the members of a group. There is little difference of meaning; every often suggests ‘without exception’. The two words are used in different structures.

every with singular nouns; all with plurals​

Every is used with a singular noun. To give the same meaning, all is used with a plural noun. Compare:

  • Every child needs love. (not All child needs love.)
    All children need love.
  • Every light was out.
    All (of) the lights were out.

every not used with determiners​

We can use all (of), but not normally every, with certain determiners (articles, possessives or demonstratives). Compare:

  • All (of) the plates were broken.
    Every plate was broken. (not Every the plate / The every plate …)
  • I’ve written to all (of) my friends.
    I’ve written to every friend I have. (not … every my friend / my every friend.)

all with uncountables​

We can use all, but not every, with uncountable nouns.

  • I like all music. (not … every music.)

all day and every day, etc​

Note the difference between all day/week, etc and every day/week, etc.

  • She was here all day. (= from morning to night)
  • She was here every day. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, …)
note

For the difference between every and each, (see here).