1. Ragdoll

    Ragdoll Member

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2010
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0

    Everybody/everyone?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Ragdoll, Sep 9, 2011.

    I really don't get when I'm supposed to use everybody/everyone/anybody/anyone. And it has been bothering me for quite some time, so I'm finally asking you guys. What's the difference?
     
  2. colorthemap

    colorthemap New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2010
    Messages:
    505
    Likes Received:
    3
    Well for a definition from dictionary.com.

    Everybody: every person.

    Everyone: every person; everyone.


    They mean the same thing.
     
  3. lostinwebspace

    lostinwebspace Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2011
    Messages:
    466
    Likes Received:
    17
    Location:
    Canada
    The difference between everyone and anyone is this:

    Everyone means what colorthemap said. "Everyone attended the party" equals "All the people attended the party."

    Anyone/anybody both mean any unspecified person. "Anybody can join this forum" equals "This person or that person or any person in the world can join this forum."
     
  4. minstrel

    minstrel Leader of the Insquirrelgency Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    10,742
    Likes Received:
    9,991
    Location:
    Near Sedro Woolley, Washington
    What about the grammar?
    "Everyone is wearing hats." OR "Everyone are wearing hats." OR "Everyone is wearing a hat."

    "Everybody is going to the prom." OR "Everybody are going to the prom."

    Are these considered singular or plural? "Everybody is going to the prom" seems right to me, meaning that "everybody" is singular. But "Pass these flyers out to everybody so that they will know the location of the prom" also seems right, and in that, "everybody" is plural.

    Weird.
     
  5. colorthemap

    colorthemap New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2010
    Messages:
    505
    Likes Received:
    3
    I'd like to think everybody is more informal(as close as it comes to in English.) whereas everyone would be more formal.

    So if it were me I'd have:

    Everyone in narrative.

    Everybody in dialog.
     
  6. lostinwebspace

    lostinwebspace Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2011
    Messages:
    466
    Likes Received:
    17
    Location:
    Canada
    Your brain will tell you usually. But they're si1ngular. Everyone = every one.
     
  7. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    it's up to you... use the one you feel works best...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice