GitHub Actions dorny/paths-filter "predicate-quantifier" error

By Daniel Zoghalchali·Latchkey

dorny/paths-filter supports predicate-quantifier (some or every) to control how multiple patterns in a filter combine. An invalid value, or using every without understanding it requires all patterns to match, produces unexpected or failing evaluation.

What this error means

A paths-filter step errors on the predicate-quantifier input, or filters evaluate to false unexpectedly when every is set.

Error: Input parameter 'predicate-quantifier' must be one of: 'some', 'every'

Common causes

Invalid predicate-quantifier value

Only some (default) and every are accepted; anything else errors.

every semantics misunderstood

With every, a changed file must match all patterns in the filter, which often yields no matches.

How to fix it

Use a valid quantifier and correct filter shape

1. Set predicate-quantifier to some or every only.
2. Use some (default) when any matching pattern should activate the filter.
3. Reserve every for include-and-exclude pattern combinations.

- uses: dorny/paths-filter@v3
  with:
    predicate-quantifier: 'some'
    filters: |
      src:
        - 'src/**'

How to prevent it

• Default to some unless you specifically need all-pattern matching.
• Test filter behavior on a representative changeset.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

References

• GitHub Actions documentation
• Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions