Determiners (each, every, both, all...)

Intermediate · Determiners

Determiners are words that come before a noun to say which one or how many: each, every, both, either, neither, all, whole. The main challenge is knowing whether they take a singular or a plural noun.

"Each" and "every" always take a singular noun. "Both" refers to two things (plural). "Either/neither" also deal with two options.

How to build it

each / every + singular noun · both + plural noun · either / neither + singular noun

Rules & examples

1. each / every + singular noun.

   "Each" = one by one; "every" = all members seen together. Both take a singular noun and verb.

   • Each student has a book.
   • Every day is different.
2. both / either / neither refer to TWO things.

   both = the two together (plural); either = one or the other; neither = not one and not the other.

   • Both options are good.
   • Either day works for me.
   • Neither answer is correct.
3. all / most / some / no + plural or uncountable noun.

   For larger, general groups.

   • All children need care.
   • Most people agree.
   • No money is left.
4. "all (the)" vs "the whole".

   They can mean the same, but "whole" needs "the" + singular noun.

   • all the day → the whole day
   • all the team → the whole team

Tips to remember

• each/every → singular (every student IS). both → plural (both students ARE).
• "Neither" and "either" are grammatically singular: "Neither answer is right."

Common mistakes

• ✗ Every students passed. → ✓ Every student passed. — "Every" is followed by a singular noun.
• ✗ Both of the answer is right. → ✓ Both answers are right. — "Both" refers to two, so use a plural noun and verb.