The determines each and every are often used synonymously; in fact their semantic meaning is subtle, yet important. Both words refer to the members of a group of things/people. This post summarizes when to apply which determiner best.
Each lays stress on individuality. To emphasize this even more, we may append single:
- Each participant received $50.
- Each single participant received $50.
Every is used in the singular, but it is used in a collective sense and generalizes the group’s members. Every is closer to all than each is.
- Every citizen is free.
- Every child goes to school.
- Every soldier must be strong and brave.
Also, every indicates repetitions:
- Every year, the Christmas holiday starts with huge traffic jams.
- He visited me in hospital every second day.
Pairs
For pairs (i.e. groups of two), only each may be used:
- Each of his toes was sunburnt.
References
(with some better examples, I guess)