Hello, I'm a language expert with a keen interest in the nuances of English grammar. Today, let's delve into the common query about whether to use "has" or "have" with the word "everyone." This is a question that often trips up even the most seasoned of English speakers, so let's break it down.
Firstly, it's important to understand the grammatical rule concerning collective nouns. Collective nouns like "everyone," "anyone," "someone," and "no one" are tricky because they refer to a group of people, yet they are singular in form. According to standard English grammar, when you have a singular noun, you pair it with a singular verb. This is why Grammar Girl's advice is to treat "everyone" as a singular noun and use a singular verb form, which is "has."
However, language is not always black and white, and there are regional variations to consider. In British English, collective nouns can sometimes be treated as plural, especially in spoken language. This is less common in American English, where the singular verb is the preferred choice when using "everyone."
Let's look at some examples to clarify:
- **Everyone has their own opinion on the matter.** (Standard English)
- **Everyone have their own opinion on the matter.** (Some British English dialects)
The second sentence might be used in certain British dialects, but it's not considered standard or correct in most English-speaking regions.

It's also worth noting that the use of "has" or "have" can be influenced by the context. For instance, if you're emphasizing the individual members of the group, you might lean towards using "have":
- Everyone has their own unique talents. (Emphasizing individuality)

On the other hand, if you're looking at the group as a whole, "has" would be more appropriate:
- The team has won several awards. (Viewing the team as a single entity)

In conclusion, while "has" is the grammatically correct choice when paired with "everyone," there are instances, particularly in British English, where "have" might be used informally. It's always best to err on the side of grammatical correctness, especially in formal writing, but being aware of these regional differences can help you communicate more effectively with a wider audience.

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Grammar Girl [...] says, everyone sounds like a lot of people, but in grammar land, everyone is a singular noun and takes a singular verb. Now, if you're in Britain, you don't have to worry so much about everyone and everybody because sometimes they're considered plural.Feb 16, 2012read more >>