Everybody has ups and downs throughout their life

[NamelessKing]

Please correct my mistakes.

Everybody has ups and downs throughout their life. The difference between those who are strong and resilient and those who are weak lies in how they handle unexpected problems. Generally, tough people roll with the punches and come up with creative solutions.

 

[Tarheel]

I would add to the last sentence

to their problems.

 

[beachboy]

In the first sentence, wouldn't "...their lives" be more suitable?


NOT A TEACHER.

 

[Tarheel]

"Everybody" is (grammatically) singular.

Everybody is expected to get to work on time.
Everybody is expected to hand in their homework.
Everybody is hopeful that things will improve.
Everybody likes ice cream.

 

[beachboy]

Sure, I know it's a singular word. But I thought that, as it referred to people with different lives, the substantive "life" should be in the plural. As in "Those people had ups and downs throughout their lives" (it's right, isn't it?). Anyway, I understand that the use of everybody makes the difference. :up:

 

[Tarheel]

Well, "Those people" is definitely plural. (I had to look up substantive.)