Every+singular noun+singular verb
When the determiner 'every' is used, it is to be used with a singular noun (not a plural noun) together with a singular verb. In the examples below, the nouns are in bold typeface while the verbs are underlined.
Every student likes to study.
not:
Every students* like* to study.
Every page (of the novel) is intriguing!
not:
Every pages* (of the novel) are* intriguing!
Cars are coming from every direction.
not:
Cars are coming from every directions*.
Every question has an appropriate answer.
not:
Every questions* have* an appropriate answer.
Every child has a right to education.
not:
Every children* have* a right to education.
Every child is a genius!
not:
Every children* is/are* a genius!
Every praise is to our God!
See the question below that WAEC asked candidates in 2011. You should be able to attempt it on your own.
Every man, woman and child......asked to contribute.
A. were
B. are
C. was
D. have
Attempt the following questions also.
1. Every......
A. seconds count.
B. second counts.
C. second count.
D. seconds counts.
2. Every......should endeavour to attend the annual conference.
A. man
B. men
C. man's
D. men's
3. Everybody......anticipating your return.
A. have been
B. has being
C. have being
D. has been
Everybody and Everyone
The verb to be used with the indefinite pronouns: everybody and everyone is a singular verb.
Everybody is to be treated for malaria.
not:
Everybody are* to be treated for malaria.
You mean everybody has been informed?
not:
You mean everybody have* been informed?
Everyone is a genius!
not:
Everyone are* a genius!
Everyone believes something.
not:
Everyone believe* something.
For the benefit of the doubt, when 's' is added to a noun, it becomes plural. However, when 's' is added to a verb, it becomes singular.
Verbs
Plural Singular
jump jumps
sing sings
dance dances
believe believes
say says
go goes
Please note that, for some verbs, it is 'es', not 's' that is added to the singular forms.
Nouns
Singular Plural
boy boys
girl girls
box boxes
driver drivers
book books
bus buses
Please note that, for some nouns, it is 'es', not 's' that is added to the singular forms.
The first law of concord therefore is that a singular noun agrees with a singular verb, while a plural noun agrees with a plural verb.
The boy+believes he is a winner.
The boys+believe they are winners.
Most girls+dance well.
The girl+dances well.
Attempt the following exercises
1. Mr Bako, a driver, always......carefully.
A. drive
B. drives
2. The accused......he is innocent.
A. insists
B. insist
3. Nigerian politics......full of intrigues.
A. is
B. are
4. Eze......to school every day.
A. go
B. goes
5. Luxury buses......long distances.
A. travel
B. travels
Thank you for reading.
The blogger, Olabanji O. Odurombi, can be contacted via SMS, voice call, or WhatsApp on 08037699294.
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