‘Each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ are known as determiners in the English Language. Making mistakes when using these determiners risks confusion or misunderstanding in our sentences. The method to use ‘each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ correctly depends on our understanding of how to use each determiner. Besides that, knowing the correct use of ‘each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ lessens the likelihood of second-guessing yourself when writing or speaking. Read on further to find out the easy ways to know how to use ‘each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ correctly.
Most Malaysians use ‘each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ in their daily conversations. However, they do not follow the correct meaning of each of these determiners. Nor do they follow the correct structure of sentences when using them. Using determiners and applying the correct structure to the sentences is important for the purpose of consistency and precision in conveying the meaning of the sentences. Most Malaysians use ‘each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ to convey the meaning of ‘setiap‘. Below we will go through the definition of each determiner and some examples with Bahasa Melayu translations.
Each progress paves its way to success.
The use of ‘each‘ puts into consideration (of items) individually, one by one. For example:
He gave a candy each to the kids.
Dia memberi gula-gula seorang satu kepada kanak-kanak itu.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘each‘ is ‘seorang satu‘ instead of ‘setiap‘. This shows that ‘each‘ considers the kids individually and one by one.
Each of the four students scores 100% in Mathematics.
Keempat-empat pelajar itu mendapat markah 100% dalam Matematik.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘each’ is ‘keempat-empat‘ instead of ‘setiap’. This shows how ‘each’ considers the students individually and one by one.
The note was sent to each of his parents.
Nota itu dihantar kepada kedua-dua ibubapanya.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘each’ is ‘kedua-dua‘ instead of ‘setiap‘. This shows how ‘each’ considers the parents individually and one by one.
As the use of ‘each’ considers objects individually and one by one, we must also treat the verb that follows as singular. For example:
- Each student has a hobby.
- Each child perceives the world differently.
- Each side of the shoes is dirty.
Every step and a move forward.
The use of ‘every’ puts into consideration (of items) individually. For example:
He gave candy to every kid.
Dia memberi gula-gula kepada setiap kanak-kanak.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘every’ is ‘setiap‘. This shows that ‘every’ considers the kids individually.
Every student scores 100% in Mathematics.
Setiap pelajar mendapat markah 100% dalam Matematik.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘every’ is ‘setiap’. This shows how ‘every’ considers the students individually but not one by one.
The note was sent to every parent.
Nota itu dihantar kepada setiap ibubapa.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘every’ is ‘setiap‘. This shows how ‘setiap‘ considers the parents individually.
As the use of ‘every’ considers objects individually, we must also treat the verb that follows as singular. For example:
- Every student has a hobby.
- Every child perceives the world differently.
- Every pair of his shoes is dirty.
All good things are appreciated.
The use of ‘all’ puts into consideration (of items) in one group. For example:
He gave candy to all kids.
Dia memberi gula-gula kepada semua kanak-kanak.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘all’ is ‘semua‘. This shows that ‘all‘ considers the kids as one group.
All students score 100% in Mathematics.
Semua pelajar mendapat markah 100% dalam Matematik.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘all’ is ‘semua‘. This shows how ‘all’ considers the students as one group.
The note was sent to all parents.
Nota itu dihantar kepada semua ibubapa.
Note that the Bahasa Melayu translation for the word ‘all’ is ‘semua‘. This shows how ‘semua‘ considers the parents as one group.
As the use of ‘all’ considers objects as one group, we must also treat the verb that follows as plural. For example:
- All students have hobbies.
- All children perceive the world differently.
- All of his shoes are dirty.
Conclusion
Learning to use ‘each’, ‘every’, and ‘all’ correctly helps create sentences that are concise and effective. Understanding the difference between the three allows you the flexibility to create sentences that expresses your message which is then accepted easily by your listeners/readers. Expressing your message effectively with the use of correct grammar boosts trust in your brand and elevates your confidence. Let me know in the Comment section below if you have any questions.
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