'Everyone' or 'Every One': What's the Difference?

Are you wondering what the difference is between ‘everyone’ and ‘every one’ is? We can clear that up, plus teach you the meaning and how to use both versions of the word in a sentence.

Don’t feel like skimming? Here’s the short answer:

• ‘Everyone’ means everybody and means all the people in a certain group.
• ‘Every one’ means every single individual person that makes up a group.

‘Everyone’ vs. ‘Every One’ – What’s the Difference?

As you just learned, the difference between ‘everyone’ and ‘every one’ is that the former refers to everyone in a group and the latter emphasizes each individual within a group. The words sound the same, but mean different things, which qualifies them as homophones.

Remember that ‘everyone’ can be used interchangeably with the word ‘everybody,’ while the same isn’t true for ‘every one.’

‘Everyone’ vs. ‘Every One’ – How to Choose the Right Word

So, when exactly is it okay to use ‘everyone’ and ‘every one’?

Use ‘everyone’ when you’re talking to a group of people and you’re referring to every person in the group.

Use ‘every one’ when you’re referring to each individual within that group.

Let’s quickly define the word and then look at some examples of how to use it in a sentence.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Everyone’ and ‘Every One’

The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘everyone’ is: “every person: everybody.”

The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘every’ is: “being each individual or part of a group without exception,” “being each in a series or succession,” “being all taken severally,” “being each within a range of possibilities,” “complete, entire.”

The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘one’ is: “being a single unit or thing,” “being one in particular,” “being preeminently what is indicated,” “being the same in kind or quality,” “constituting a unified entity of two or more components,” “being in agreement or union,” “some,” “being a certain individual specified by name,” and “only.”

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce ‘Everyone’

The phonetic spelling of the word ‘everyone’ is: “EvrEEwUHn.”

How to Use ‘Everyone’ in a Sentence

Now that we know what the words mean let’s take a look at some examples of how to use them correctly in a sentence. Here’s how you’d use ‘everyone.’

• Everyone can stay for dinner. It’s been a long night, and I know you’re all starving.
• Everyone has their own crosses to bear – their own problems.
• I brought everyone donuts for breakfast this morning. My co-worker loves me now.
• At church, we’re taught to love everyone, no matter their age, gender, or race.
• I’m hoping everyone is nice to me on my first day at a new high school. I’m so nervous.
• Everyone in my family loves caramel. We make caramel apples every Halloween.

How to Use ‘Every One’ in a Sentence 

Now, let’s take a look at how to use ‘every one’ in a sentence correctly.

• I’d like to thank each and every one of you for coming out to celebrate my anniversary with me and Mr. Vance.
• We have to fix every one of the roofs on this block. Are you ready to get started?
• Pick up every one of those toys you left in the middle of the floor.
• Every single one of the passersby kept going. No one asked us if we needed help.
• Every one of the hotels was booked up when I called. There’s nowhere to stay.
• Every one of you needs to gauge whether this retreat is for you.

Final Thoughts on ‘Everyone’ and ‘Every One’ 

To recap, we learned that ‘everyone’ and ‘every one’ has different meanings and can’t be used interchangeably. However, ‘everyone’ can be used interchangeably with the word ‘everybody.’ ‘Every one’ refers to each individual person within a group.

Still, feeling unsure? You can always come back for a second glance, or you can browse our library of content on confusing words for other words you might not be familiar with. Go check it out.