each and every thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "each and every thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize inclusivity or completeness regarding items or concepts being discussed. Example: "In this project, we need to consider each and every thing that could impact our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Each and every thing they said was said with an air of such conviction it seemed impossible anyone could disagree.

The New York Times

Where I have stayed they have learned to wash their hands before each and every thing they do.

The Guardian

He added: "In fact, each and every thing that has happened over the past 34 years has been a sequence of utter surprise".

The New Yorker

The narrator, less extreme — perhaps less courageous? or more courageous — stays put and reaches a gentle closure, courtesy of the twins, who perform a funeral rite on a telephone switch panel made obsolete by new technology, then depart cheerfully on "a tranquil November Sunday of rare clarity shining through each and every thing".

The New Yorker

It's being fully focused on each and every thing.

BBC

There's nothing more to the collection of things on my desk being covered in coffee than that each and every thing on my desk is covered in coffee.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Take the time to think of each and every individual thing that makes your life really great, and don't spend all your time focusing on the things you don't have, or the things you wish you had, or all of the "If only" chants that can ruin your day and your life.

WikiHow

I choose to believe in a "God" that is not gendered, is loving, and is the highest level of positive light and energy that runs through each and every living thing, and which is always there for us to tap into.

The New Yorker

In fact, at a time when we are being encouraged to ascribe world-changing ambitions to each and every mundane thing we do, Coachella's desires are hearteningly pure, simplistic, and self-contained which may be even a little bit radical.

The New Yorker

So what appears to be critical to the ethics of biodiversity is the first question: Is each and every living thing – irrespective of species – really valuable in itself?

SEP

But since then, technology itself has become a major industry, and therefore the DOD isn't going to be the first and fastest at discovering each and every new thing to come down the pike.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the verb following this phrase is singular (e.g., 'each and every thing is'), as the distributive nature of 'each' and 'every' dictates singular agreement.

Common error

In strictly technical or scientific abstracts where word count is limited, prefer the simpler "everything" or "all items". Using "each and every thing" can be seen as tautological or overly wordy in contexts that value extreme brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "each and every thing" serves as an emphasized compound determiner followed by a noun. It functions to quantify a set of items with extreme individual focus. According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard rhetorical device used to avoid any ambiguity regarding the completeness of a set.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "each and every thing" is a powerful linguistic tool for expressing absolute thoroughness. While it technically contains a redundancy—as 'each' and 'every' share a similar distributive meaning—it is widely accepted in professional writing to provide rhetorical weight. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it thrives in investigative journalism and philosophical arguments, where emphasizing the inclusion of every individual component is vital. Writers should remember to pair it with a singular verb and use it strategically to highlight meticulousness without cluttering concise prose. Whether describing the 'rational and moral order' in philosophy or 'to-do lists' in lifestyle guides, it remains a robust choice for signaling complete coverage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every single thing

Adds a similar level of emphasis as QUERY while sounding slightly more conversational

everything

A more concise and standard version without the redundant emphasis

all aspects

Shifts the focus from discrete items to the multifaceted nature of a topic

each individual item

Focuses more on the separation of components in a list or physical collection

every detail

Emphasizes the thoroughness of an investigation or description

each part

Refers to components of a whole rather than general circumstances

all things

A broader and sometimes more poetic or philosophical way to describe totality

every component

More technical and formal, typically used in engineering or procedural contexts

each element

Highlights the unique nature of specific factors within a larger system

every bit

An idiomatic and slightly more informal way to express complete coverage

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "each and every thing"?

Yes, it is a standard English idiom used for emphasis. While logically redundant because "each" and "every" cover the same ground, Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in high-quality sources like The New York Times and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy to underscore thoroughness.

Should I use a singular or plural verb with "each and every thing"?

You should always use a singular verb. Even though the phrase implies a large group of items, the words "each" and "every" focus on the items individually. For example, use "each and every thing has been checked" rather than "have been checked".

What is the difference between "everything" and "each and every thing"?

The main difference is emphasis. While "everything" is neutral and concise, "each and every thing" draws deliberate attention to the fact that not one single item was missed. It is often used in legal, philosophical or highly emotional contexts.

Can I use "each and every thing" in formal writing?

Yes, it is common in formal contexts, particularly in philosophy and journalism. However, if you are writing a strictly concise business report, you might prefer "all components" or "every detail" to avoid the repetitive nature of the phrase.