Each and every have similar meanings and are followed by singular nouns.

Each is used to talk about two or more people or things. It directs attention to the individuals in a group. Every is used to talk about more than two people or things. Here the focus is on the whole group.

• She had a child holding on to each hand. (NOT She had a child holding on to every hand.)
• Every seat was taken.
• Every light was out.

Note that each is used only when the number of people or things in the group is limited. Every is used when the number is indefinite.

• Last week it rained each day. (Here we use each because the number of days in a week is limited.)
• I have read every book on that shelf. (Here we use every because the number of books is indefinite.)

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