Does every take a singular or plural verb?

The Unwavering Singularity of “Every”: A Grammar Deep Dive

The English language, with its delightful nuances and occasional curveballs, can sometimes leave us scratching our heads. One common point of confusion centers around the word “every” and its grammatical consequences. Does it command a singular or plural verb? The answer, as it turns out, is quite definitive: “every” always takes a singular verb.

Why this unwavering commitment to singularity? The key lies in understanding the core function of “every.” This little word doesn’t treat a group as a unified whole. Instead, it shines a spotlight on each individual element within that group. It’s a declaration that each member, considered separately, performs the action being described.

Think of it like this: “Every” is like a meticulous auditor going through a list, meticulously checking off each item one by one. They’re not concerned with the list as a single entity, but rather with the individual entries it contains.

This focus on individual entities dictates the grammatical structure. “Every” is followed by a singular noun, further reinforcing the idea of a focus on individual members. And crucially, this singular emphasis extends to the verb, demanding a singular form.

Illustrative Examples:

Let’s solidify this with some examples:

• Every student participates (Correct). Notice the singular verb “participates.”
• Every bird sings (Correct). Again, the singular verb “sings” aligns with “every.”
• Every house is painted (Correct). The singular verb “is” follows the “every + singular noun” rule.

Using plural verbs with “every” is grammatically incorrect and jars the reader’s ear. Sentences like “Every student participate” or “Every bird sing” sound wrong because they violate the fundamental principle of “every” focusing on the individual.

Beyond the Basics:

It’s worth noting that even when a phrase follows “every,” the singular verb remains steadfast.

• Every one of the children is happy. (Correct). Despite the “of the children” phrase, the verb “is” remains singular, governed by “every one.”

In Conclusion:

So, the next time you’re crafting a sentence with “every,” remember its commitment to individual focus. Embrace the singularity! By adhering to this simple rule, you can ensure your writing remains grammatically sound and conveys your intended meaning with clarity and precision. Forget the temptation to treat “every” as implying plurality; remember, “every” is all about individual attention and therefore, demands a singular verb. Master this nuance, and you’ll be one step closer to grammatical mastery.