When talking about groups of people, it’s essential to understand when to use has or have. Many students, writers, and even seasoned English learners get stuck in the middle of writing an email or typing a sentence, their fingers hovering over the keyboard, debating whether to choose everyone has or everyone have.
The correct choice comes from knowing that everyone is a singular pronoun, representing each individual in a group, and therefore always takes a singular verb. Even though it refers to multiple people, the grammar rules are not always cut and dry, so it can cause confusion. I’ve found that once you apply the rules and think of everyone as one person, it becomes straightforward and simple, and your writing feels more fluent and confident.
In practice, whether you’re talking about actions, states, possession, or presence, everyone has the right form of the verb, not have. I remember a time when a common snag in emails made me debate this pair of words for a tiny speed bump in my communication, and realizing the truth surprised me.
The version of the sentence should always feel clear and correct, despite the tricky reality that it implies more than one person. Memorizing this detail helps students, writers, and anyone getting the hang of English to avoid countless confusion and confidently say their opinion, instead of second-guessing.
What Does “Everyone” Mean in English?
The word “everyone” is a singular indefinite pronoun used to refer to all people in a group. Despite referring to multiple people, it takes a singular verb, not a plural one.
Examples:
- ✅ Everyone is excited about the trip.
- ✅ Everyone wants a piece of cake.
Notice how “everyone” refers to many people, but the verbs “is” and “wants” are singular.
Key point: Treat everyone as one unit, not individual people, when matching verbs.
Singular or Plural: Why “Everyone Has” Is Correct
The correct phrase is “everyone has”, not “everyone have.” This is because “has” is the singular form of “have.”
- ✅ Correct: Everyone has a chance to win.
- ❌ Incorrect: Everyone have a chance to win.
Grammar explanation in plain English:
- Everyone = singular subject
- Singular subjects take singular verbs
- In the present tense, singular verbs for “have” = has
Think of it this way: even though “everyone” refers to many people, English treats it as one collective entity.
Common Mistakes: When People Say “Everyone Have”
Many ESL learners and even native speakers occasionally say “everyone have”. Why?
- Influence of plural logic: Since “everyone” includes many people, some assume a plural verb is needed.
- Informal speech: In casual conversations, people sometimes ignore grammar rules.
- Typing errors or online forums: Mistakes often spread in written English, especially social media.
Incorrect examples:
- ❌ Everyone have their own ideas.
- ❌ Everyone have finished the project.
Corrected versions:
- ✅ Everyone has their own ideas.
- ✅ Everyone has finished the project.
Real-Life Examples: “Everyone Has” vs. “Everyone Have”
Here are practical examples in different situations:
| Context | Correct | Incorrect | Explanation |
| Work | Everyone has submitted their report. | Everyone have submitted their report. | “Everyone” is singular → use “has.” |
| Party | Everyone has brought a gift. | Everyone have brought a gift. | Verb must agree with singular subject. |
| School | Everyone has completed their homework. | Everyone have completed their homework. | “Has” is singular; “have” is incorrect here. |
| Daily life | Everyone has their own opinion. | Everyone have their own opinion. | Collective singular → use “has.” |
Grammar Rules Behind “Everyone” and Verb Agreement
Let’s break it down clearly:
- Everyone = singular indefinite pronoun
- Use he/she/it form verbs
- Present tense: has, is, does
- Past tense: had, was, did
- Use he/she/it form verbs
- Plural nouns or pronouns (like “they, people, all”) take have, are, do
Examples:
- Singular: Everyone is ready.
- Plural: All students are ready.
Tip: Check if the pronoun is indefinite singular. Words like someone, anybody, nobody follow the same rule.
Tips for Remembering Correct Usage
Here are some practical tips for ESL learners:
- Think singular: Always treat “everyone” as one person for verb agreement.
- Use “has” in present tense: Never “have” with “everyone.”
- Check context: If talking about multiple people collectively, still use singular verbs.
- Practice with examples: Write sentences using “everyone has” every day.
Quick trick: If you can replace “everyone” with “each person”, the verb choice becomes obvious:
- Everyone has → Each person has
- Everyone have ❌ → Each person have ❌
Variations in Spoken and Informal English
In casual speech, some native speakers may incorrectly say “everyone have”. While it may sound understandable, it’s not grammatically correct.
- Correct spoken: Everyone has a chance to win.
- Incorrect spoken: Everyone have a chance to win.
Key tip: Stick to “has” in writing and formal speaking. Informal speech may tolerate mistakes, but it’s not standard English.
Common Idioms and Expressions with “Everyone”
“Everyone” appears in many idiomatic expressions:
- Everyone and their dog → means almost everybody
- Everyone’s cup of tea → something everyone likes
- For everyone’s sake → for the benefit of all
Examples:
- Everyone has a favorite snack.
- Everyone and their dog has arrived at the party. ✅ (singular agreement still applies)
Synonyms and Alternative Phrases for “Everyone Has”
Sometimes, you can use alternative phrases to avoid repetition. Here’s a handy table:
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
| All people | All people have a right to vote. |
| Every person | Every person has responsibilities. |
| Each one | Each one has their own opinion. |
| Everybody | Everybody has something to offer. |
Notice that all people and everybody behave slightly differently in verb agreement, so always check if singular or plural is required.
How ESL Learners Can Master “Everyone Has”
Practical tips for mastering this:
- Read aloud: Practice sentences like “Everyone has a chance to succeed.”
- Write daily examples: Journaling or sentences help memorize usage.
- Use online exercises: Many ESL websites focus on indefinite pronouns.
- Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to news anchors, podcasts, or videos.
Consistency is key—over time, “everyone has” will become automatic.
Quick Comparison Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
| Subject | Correct Verb | Incorrect Verb | Example |
| Everyone | has | have | Everyone has a ticket. ❌Everyone have a ticket. |
| Someone | is | are | Someone is waiting outside. ❌Someone are waiting. |
| Nobody | knows | know | Nobody knows the answer. ❌Nobody know the answer. |
| Everybody | wants | want | Everybody wants to join. ❌Everybody want to join. |
FAQs About “Everyone Has” and “Everyone Have”
1. Is “everyone have” ever correct?
No, in standard American English, “everyone” always takes a singular verb, so “everyone has” is correct.
2. Can “everyone” ever take “are” or “have”?
No, “everyone” always takes singular forms: is, has, does, was, had.
3. What is the easiest way to remember?
Replace “everyone” with “each person.” If it works with a singular verb, you’re correct.
4. Why do people say “everyone have”?
It’s a common mistake influenced by thinking of “everyone” as plural, especially in informal speech.
5. Are there exceptions in British vs. American English?
No, both follow the same rule: singular verbs with “everyone.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “everyone has” and “everyone have” is simple once you remember the key rule: “everyone” is singular. Use “has” in the present tense, and you’ll sound correct in writing and speaking. Avoid informal mistakes like “everyone have,” and practice using real-life examples. By applying these tips consistently, ESL learners can gain confidence and master this common grammar point quickly.
Virginia Woolf was a pioneering modernist writer whose profound insight reshaped literature and explored the depths of human consciousness. Her words continue to inspire generations to think, feel, and question deeply.
