English for Students

English Phrases : Each and Every

Is it correct to say Each and Every?

There are many phrases which we use in our communication because others use them in theirs. Only very few of us try to understand the literal meaning behind those phrases. When such an attempt is made, we become aware of the context in which those phrases should be/should not be used.

It is very common to hear people say, I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming tonight. It is not only Indians who use this expression, but native speakers of English also employ it quite frequently.

Careful users of the language however frown on this expression. They argue that it is redundant to say each and every. They would prefer that you say, I would like to thank each one of you for coming tonight, or I would like to thank every one of you for coming tonight.

The expression each and every is however very commonly used by both native and non-native speakers of English.