Every Day, Single or Plural?摘要：Every Day, Single or Plural? Introduction: The Ambiguity of \"Every\" The word \"every\" is one of the most commonly used words in the English language. It is a
Introduction: The Ambiguity of \"Every\"
The word \"every\" is one of the most commonly used words in the English language. It is a determiner that is used to refer to something that occurs or is considered as a unit or as a singular entity. However, the use of \"every\" raises a question as to whether it should be followed by a plural or a singular verb. This ambiguity of \"every\" has caused confusion for many English speakers. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of \"every\" and when to use singular or plural verbs after it.
The Use of \"Every\" with Singular and Plural Nouns
The use of \"every\" depends on whether the noun it is referring to is singular or plural. When \"every\" is used with a singular noun, it is considered singular and requires a singular verb. For example, \"Every day is a new opportunity.\" In this sentence, \"every day\" is a singular noun, so the verb \"is\" must be singular as well.
When \"every\" is used with a plural noun, it is considered plural and requires a plural verb. For example, \"Every student needs to hand in their assignment.\" In this sentence, \"every student\" is a plural noun, so the verb \"need\" must be plural as well.
Exceptions: Collective Nouns and Indefinite Pronouns
There are two exceptions to the rule of using singular or plural verbs with \"every.\" The first exception is collective nouns, which are nouns that refer to a group of people or things. When \"every\" is used with a collective noun, it can take both singular and plural verbs depending on the context. For example, \"Every team member has their own responsibilities.\" In this sentence, the noun \"team member\" is a collective noun, but the verb \"has\" is singular because each member has their own responsibility.
The second exception is indefinite pronouns, which are words that do not refer to a specific person or thing. When \"every\" is used with an indefinite pronoun, it always takes a singular verb. For example, \"Everybody loves ice cream.\" In this sentence, \"everybody\" is an indefinite pronoun, so the verb \"loves\" must be singular.
Conclusion: The Correct Use of \"Every\"
In conclusion, the use of \"every\" depends on whether the noun it refers to is singular or plural. When \"every\" is used with a singular noun, it requires a singular verb, and when it is used with a plural noun, it requires a plural verb. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. By understanding these rules, you can use \"every\" correctly in your writing and avoid the ambiguity that often arises with this common word.
