pitfalls pt. 5

7. Each and every one is singular
This requires some tricky footwork.

When we use words like "each", "every", "everybody","nobody" or "anybody", we're thinking about a number of people or things. But all those words are grammatically singular: they refer to just one person or thing at a time.

And unfortunately, if you change the verb to correct the grammar, you create a pedantic phrase like "he or she" or "his or her".

EASY FIX
Don't struggle over the grammar. Instead, make your point some other way.

WRONG Everyone must clean their shoes.
RIGHT BUT FUSSY Everyone must clean his or her shoes.
RIGHT All guests must clean their shoes.
RIGHT You must clean your shoes.

WRONG Each invoice must have "PAID" stamped over their number.
RIGHT Each invoice must have "PAID" stamped over its number.
RIGHT Each invoice must have "PAID" stamped over the number.

"Neither" and "either" present a similar problem.

WRONG Neither of my shirts were clean.
RIGHT BUT TRICKY Neither of my shirts was clean.
RIGHT Both my shirts were dirty.
RIGHT I didn't have a clean shirt.