everyone / each person

[Ju1ian]

Dear Teacher,

'Each' and 'every' are funny words and I get sometimes confused about their usage. I was taught that they should be treated as singular, but I don't think that rule is followed consistently (I hate inconsistency).

1. Each person receives his/her own plate.
2. Each person receives their own plates.

3. Everyone likes his/her own poem.
4. Everyone likes their own poems.

Can you tell me which one is correct, and also provide an explanation why that is? I think 2 and 4 should be incorrect (the inconsistency!) but many people do say those.

[mara_ce]

Can you tell me which one is correct, and also provide an explanation why that is? I think 2 and 4 should be incorrect (the inconsistency!) but many people do say those.

Ju1ian,

You can use 'their' when you are talking about both males and females.

Each girl must make up her own mind.
Each person must make up their own mind.
Each person must make up his or her own mind. (It sounds a little formal.)

Plural pronouns can go with everyone, everybody, someone, no one, etc.

Has everyone finished their drinks?
Somebody has left their umbrella behind!
No one here seems to know what they are doing.

[Ju1ian]

These are pretty clear answers. Thanks!