Using “every” when we really mean “not every” makes a huge difference. Here are two examples:
Every investigation doesn’t yield new data, but investigating is necessary if anything is to be found.
It’s clear that the writer meant this instead:
Not every investigation yields new data, but investigating is necessary if anything is to be found.
Here’s another one:
Every Iraqi isn’t running around with a rifle on his shoulder.
In this case, the writer intended the following:
Not every Iraqi is running around with a rifle on his shoulder.
I welcome your questions and comments. If you’re not quite sure if a sentence you have written is clear, send it to me and I’ll help you with it.
Cheers,
Tara Treasurefield
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