every后面跟单数还是复数动词（Every vs Singular Verbs Understanding the Rules）

Every vs. Singular Verbs: Understanding the Rules

When it comes to using \"every,\" many people are unsure whether to pair it with a singular or plural verb. The answer to this question often boils down to the subject of the sentence and its relationship to the word \"every.\" Below, we'll explore the rules and offer examples to help you understand this grammatical quirk.

Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the first things to consider when deciding whether to use a singular or plural verb with \"every\" is subject-verb agreement. In a sentence, the verb must agree with the subject in number. Thus, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. The same is true for plural subjects and verbs.

For example:

• Every dog has a tail.
• Every day, she walks to work.
• Every student must submit their work by Friday.

In each of these sentences, the subject is singular, so we use a singular verb to match.

Using \"Every\" with Collective Nouns

While \"every\" usually pairs with singular verbs, there is one exception to the rule. When \"every\" is used with a collective noun (a noun that refers to a group of people or things), we can use either a singular or plural verb. Both are considered correct, depending on how we view the collective noun.

For example:

• Every team is working hard to prepare for the game. (singular verb)
• Every team are well-prepared for the game. (plural verb)

In the first sentence, we treat the team as a single unit, so the singular verb \"is\" is appropriate. In the second sentence, we view the team more as a collection of individuals, hence the plural verb \"are.\"

A Note on Pronouns

In informal speech or writing, it is common to use the pronoun \"they\" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun. While this is widely accepted in many contexts, it can create issues when paired with \"every.\" If we use \"they\" to refer to a singular subject paired with \"every,\" it can be unclear whether we should use a singular or plural verb.

To avoid this ambiguity, some writers prefer to use \"he or she,\" \"himself or herself,\" or other gender-neutral terms. Alternatively, you can try to reword the sentence to eliminate the need for a pronoun altogether.

For example:

• Every student must submit his or her work by Friday.
• Every person should be true to themselves.
• Every company is working hard to meet its goals.

While it can be tempting to use \"they\" as a stand-in for a gender-neutral singular pronoun, it's best to err on the side of clarity and choose an alternative approach.

At the end of the day, whether to use a singular or plural verb with \"every\" comes down to the subject of the sentence and its relationship to the word. Remember to consider subject-verb agreement, collective nouns, and pronoun usage when crafting your sentences!