Unit vs. Each: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
"Unit" refers to a single complete thing often used as a standard of measurement, while "Each" signifies every one of two or more considered individually or one by one.
Key Differences
"Unit" and "Each" are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and usages. "Unit" is a term used to denote a single entity, often one that's part of a larger group. It can represent a standard of measurement or a component of a larger system. "Each," however, is a term that's used to refer to every individual item in a set or group.
When talking about quantity or measurement, "Unit" emphasizes the singular nature of the item or the standardization aspect. For instance, a box may contain multiple units of a product. "Each," on the other hand, refers to all the items within a group on an individual basis. For instance, each product in the box might have a unique serial number.
In sales or retail, the distinction becomes clearer. A price might be set per unit, indicating the cost of one item. Meanwhile, "each" is used to specify that the given price or condition applies to every single item separately.
To put it simply, while both "Unit" and "Each" can often refer to individual items, "Unit" emphasizes the idea of standardized, singular entities often within a larger system, and "Each" highlights the individual nature of items within a group.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Single entity
Every one of a group
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Emphasis
Standardization
Individuality
Usage Context
Measurements, sales
Quantities, items
Examples
Unit price, unit size
Each item, each one
Grammatical Role
Noun
Determiner/Adverb
Unit and Each Definitions
Unit
A standard quantity used in measurement.
The metric unit for length is the meter.
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Each
Every one separately.
They each have their own style.
Unit
A piece of a complex structure.
The computer unit malfunctioned.
Each
Every one of two or more considered individually.
Each student has a unique ID.
Unit
An individual, group, structure, or other entity regarded as an elementary structural or functional constituent of a whole.
Each
Used to emphasize individuality.
Each of the paintings is valuable.
Unit
A group regarded as a distinct entity within a larger group.
Each
For every one; apiece.
Apples cost two dollars each.
Unit
A mechanical part or module.
Each
Being one of two or more considered individually; every
Each person cast a vote. My technique improved with each lesson.
Unit
An entire apparatus or the equipment that performs a specific function.
Each
For or to each one; apiece
Ten cents each.
Unit
A precisely specified quantity in terms of which the magnitudes of other quantities of the same kind can be stated.
Each
All; every; qualifying a singular noun, indicating all examples of the thing so named seen as individual or separate items (compare every).
Make sure you wash each bowl well.
The sun comes up each morning and sets each night.
Unit
(Medicine) The quantity of a vaccine, serum, drug, or other agent necessary to produce a specific effect.
Each
For one; apiece; per.
The apples cost 50 cents each.
Unit
A fixed amount of scholastic study used as a basis for calculating academic credits, usually measured in hours of classroom instruction or laboratory work.
Each
Every one/thing individually or one by one.
I'm going to give each of you a chance to win.
From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.
Unit
A section of an academic course focusing on a selected theme
A unit on Native Americans.
Each
An individual item: the least quantitative unit in a grouping.
Unit
The number immediately to the left of the decimal point in the Arabic numeral system.
Each
Every one of the two or more individuals composing a number of objects, considered separately from the rest. It is used either with or without a following noun; as, each of you or each one of you.
It is a bad thing that men should hate each other; but it is far worse that they should contract the habit of cutting one another's throats without hatred.
Let eachHis adamantine coat gird well.
In each cheek appears a pretty dimple.
Then draw we nearer day by day,Each to his brethren, all to God.
The oak and the elm have each a distinct character.
Unit
The lowest positive whole number; one.
Each
Every; - sometimes used interchangeably with every.
I know each lane and every alley green.
In short each man's happiness depends upon himself.
Unit
An element of a ring with a multiplicative inverse.
Each
(used of count nouns) every one considered individually;
Each person is mortal
Each party is welcome
Unit
(mathematics) Oneness, singularity, seen as a component of a whole number; a magnitude of one.
Each
To or from every one of two or more (considered individually);
They received $10 each
Unit
(sciences) A standard measure of a quantity.
The centimetre is a unit of length.
Each
Every one, with no exception.
He gave each child a toy.
Unit
The number one.
Unit
Ellipsis of international unit
This pill provides 500 units of Vitamin E.
Unit
An organized group comprising people and/or equipment.
He was a member of a special police unit.
Unit
A member of a military organization.
The fifth tank brigade moved in with 20 units. (i.e., 20 tanks)
Unit
(commerce) An item which may be sold singly.
We shipped nearly twice as many units this month as last month.
Unit
Any piece of equipment, such as an appliance, power tool, stereo system, computer, tractor, or machinery.
This air-conditioner is the most efficient unit we sell.
Unit
A measure of housing equivalent to the living quarters of one household; an apartment where a group of apartments is contained in one or more multi-storied buildings or a group of dwellings is in one or more single storey buildings, usually arranged around a driveway.
The new apartment complex will have 50 units.
Unit
Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority, such as a table of organization and equipment; specifically, part of an organization.
Unit
An organization title of a subdivision of a group in a task force.
Unit
A standard or basic quantity into which an item of supply is divided, issued, or detailed. In this meaning, also called unit of issue.
Unit
With regard to Reserve Components of the Armed Forces, denotes a Selected Reserve unit organized, equipped, and trained for mobilization to serve on active duty as a unit or to augment or be augmented by another unit. Headquarters and support functions without wartime missions are not considered units.
Unit
(algebra) The identity element, neutral element.
Unit
(algebra) An element having an inverse, an invertible element; an associate of the unity.
Regular element
Unit
(category theory) In an adjunction, a natural transformation from the identity functor of the domain of the left adjoint functor to the composition of the right adjoint functor with the left adjoint functor.
Unit
(geology) A volume of rock or ice of identifiable origin and age range that is defined by the distinctive and dominant, easily mapped and recognizable petrographic, lithologic or paleontologic features (facies) that characterize it.
Unit
(UK) A unit of alcohol.
Unit
One kilowatt-hour (as recorded on an electricity meter).
Unit
(historical) A gold coin of the reign of James I, worth twenty shillings.
Unit
A work unit.
Unit
A physically large person.
Unit
A penis, especially a large one.
Unit
For each unit.
We have to keep our unit costs down if we want to make a profit.
Unit
(mathematics) Having a size or magnitude of one.
Unit
A single thing or person.
Unit
The least whole number; one.
Units are the integral parts of any large number.
Unit
A gold coin of the reign of James I., of the value of twenty shillings.
Unit
Any determinate amount or quantity (as of length, time, heat, value) adopted as a standard of measurement for other amounts or quantities of the same kind.
Unit
A single thing, as a magnitude or number, regarded as an undivided whole.
Unit
Any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange;
The dollar is the United States unit of currency
A unit of wheat is a bushel
Change per unit volume
Unit
An individual or group or structure or other entity regarded as a structural or functional constituent of a whole;
The reduced the number of units and installations
The word is a basic linguistic unit
Unit
An organization regarded as part of a larger social group;
The coach said the offensive unit did a good job
After the battle the soldier had trouble rejoining his unit
Unit
A single undivided whole;
An idea is not a unit that can be moved from one brain to another
Unit
A single undivided natural thing occurring in the composition of something else;
Units of nucleic acids
Unit
An assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity;
How big is that part compared to the whole?
The team is a unit
Unit
A single entity considered as complete.
One unit of blood was donated.
Unit
An individual thing or person regarded as single and complete.
The army has several units.
Unit
A quantity chosen as a standard.
The unit of currency is the dollar.
FAQs
How is "Each" typically used in a sentence?
"Each" is used to emphasize every individual item within a group.
What does "Unit" primarily signify?
"Unit" refers to a single, standardized entity or measurement.
What's a unit price?
It's the price for one standardized quantity of a product.
Does "Each" always imply more than one item?
Yes, "Each" presupposes a minimum of two items.
Can a room in an apartment be a "Unit"?
Yes, in real estate, individual apartments or rooms can be referred to as units.
Can "Each" be used for items in a list?
Yes, it can refer to every item listed individually.
Is "Unit" always singular?
As a noun, it can be pluralized as "units."
Can "Unit" refer to people?
Yes, for example, a military unit.
How is "Each" different from "Every"?
"Each" emphasizes individual items, while "Every" emphasizes the whole group.
When talking about machinery, what does "Unit" mean?
It refers to a distinct part of a larger mechanism.
How is "Each" used as an adverb?
As an adverb, it means "to, for, or by each one."
What does "Unit circle" mean in math?
It's a circle with a radius of one unit.
Can "Each" refer to time?
Yes, like "each day" or "each hour."
In business, what's a "Unit of account"?
It's a standard numerical unit of measurement used for valuing items.
Is "Each" specific to countable nouns?
Yes, "Each" typically refers to individual, countable items.
Does "Each" work with both plural and singular verbs?
Typically, "Each" is followed by a singular verb, as in "each person is."
Does "Each" imply equality?
Not necessarily; it just refers to individual items or persons.
How does "Unit" relate to mathematics?
It's often used to describe a standard or fundamental quantity.
Can "Unit" refer to lessons in education?
Yes, a unit can denote a segment or part of a curriculum.
Can "Each" be used for emphasis?
Yes, to stress individuality or distinctness.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
