“Everyone Was” or “Everyone Were” – Which is Correct?
“Everyone was” is correct. “Everyone were” is incorrect in standard English.
The distinction between singular and plural forms in English can sometimes lead to confusion, especially with collective or indefinite pronouns like “everyone.”
One common area of uncertainty arises when deciding whether to use “was” or “were” with “everyone.” Let’s clarify this matter and explore the correct usage.
Quick Summary
“Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that refers to all members of a group. Despite its collective nature, “everyone” is singular and thus requires singular verbs. Therefore, “everyone was” is the correct form, while “everyone were” is typically incorrect in standard English.
“Everyone Was” vs. “Everyone Were” – Which is Correct?
Between “everyone was” and “everyone were,” only “everyone was” aligns with standard English grammar rules.
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone was | Referring to a singular action related to all members of a group | Everyone was excited about the news. |
| Everyone were | Generally considered incorrect in standard English | Incorrect usage: Everyone were happy. (should be “was”) |
How to Use “Everyone Was”
“Everyone was” is the correct form because “everyone” is a singular pronoun. Even though it seems to refer to multiple people, it treats them as a singular group, requiring a singular verb form.
- Example: Everyone was present at the meeting. This suggests that all the members of a certain group were in attendance.
How Not to Use “Everyone Were”
It’s essential to note that using “were” with “everyone” is typically not standard. Although in some regional dialects or colloquial expressions, you might hear “everyone were,” it’s not accepted in formal writing or standard spoken English.
- Incorrect usage: Everyone were given a gift. (The correct form is “Everyone was given a gift.”)
Conclusion
Understanding the singular nature of “everyone” ensures accuracy in verb agreement. “Everyone” treats the group it refers to as a singular entity, so it requires the singular verb form “was.”
Always lean towards “everyone was” in both writing and speech for correctness and clarity. Remembering this rule will prevent mistakes like “everyone were” in your communication.
