What is the grammar rule for everybody?

The Singular Reign of “Everybody”: Understanding Pronoun-Verb Agreement

The English language, a vibrant tapestry woven from countless exceptions and idiosyncrasies, often presents curious grammatical quirks. One such enigma is the pronoun “everybody.” While seemingly representing a multitude, this word stubbornly insists on singular verb conjugation, a rule that often trips up even seasoned writers.

The key to understanding this seemingly contradictory behaviour lies in the word’s inherent structure. “Everybody” is a compound word, a fusion of “every” and “body.” “Every” inherently signifies singularity; it implies a totality encompassing each individual element within a group, rather than the group as a single entity. Consider the phrases “every person,” “every apple,” or “every house.” These are clearly singular, emphasizing the individual components.

This inherent singularity of “every” infuses “everybody,” rendering it grammatically singular despite its apparent collective nature. Consequently, it demands a singular verb, regardless of the implied number of individuals it represents. Thus, the correct sentence is “Everybody is welcome,” not “Everybody are welcome.” The use of a plural verb (“are”) creates a grammatical inconsistency, jarring the reader and undermining the sentence’s precision.

The same principle applies to similar indefinite pronouns such as “anyone,” “someone,” “no one,” and “everyone.” These words, reflecting the singular essence of “every,” consistently require singular verb agreement. For instance:

• Anyone is capable of achieving their goals. (Not “Anyone are capable…”)
• Someone has left their bag behind. (Not “Someone have left…”)
• No one knows the answer. (Not “No one know the answer…”)
• Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. (Not “Everyone need a helping hand…”)

This rule, while seemingly straightforward, frequently causes confusion because our intuition often leads us towards plural verb conjugation. We perceive “everybody” as a large group and naturally gravitate towards a plural verb. However, adhering strictly to grammatical convention, the singular verb remains the only correct choice.

In conclusion, the grammatical rule for “everybody” is unambiguous: it always takes a singular verb. Understanding the etymology and inherent singularity of the word “every” provides the key to unlocking this often-misunderstood aspect of English grammar, ensuring clarity and precision in our writing. Mastering this rule is not merely about adhering to grammatical convention; it’s about crafting sentences that are grammatically correct and, therefore, more effective and persuasive.