May 22 2008
Don’t Mistake Everyone for Every One
Which of the following four sentences are correct?
- Every one on the team went to the finals.
- Everyone on the team went to the finals.
- Every one of the elephants decided to charge at the same moment.
- Everyone of the elephants decided to charge at the same moment.
If you think sentences #2 and #3 are correct, you’re right. Sentences #1 and #4 are woefully incorrect.
Here’s the rule:
- Use “every one” to say “each individual item, person or entity.”
- Use “everyone” as a pronoun meaning “all persons.” Technically, this could also apply to monkeys, depending on your feelings about primates.
Everyone of the elephants charge? or charges?
Every one of the elephants charge? or charges?
I think charge for “everyone” and charges for “every one.”