Everyone’s or Everyones?
In the English language, mastering possessive forms is crucial for clear and effective communication. A common point of confusion arises when dealing with possessive pronouns and contractions, particularly with the word “everyone.” This article aims to dispel the misconception surrounding “everyone’s” and “everyones,” providing insights and examples to ensure proper usage.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Possessives and Contractions
Before diving into the specific case of “everyone’s” vs. “everyones,” it’s important to understand the fundamentals of possessives and contractions in English.
Possessive Nouns and Pronouns
Possessive nouns and pronouns indicate ownership or belonging. For singular nouns not ending in ‘s,’ the possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe followed by an ‘s’ (e.g., “the dog’s bone”). For plural nouns ending in ‘s,’ only an apostrophe is added (e.g., “the dogs’ owner”).
Possessive pronouns, on the other hand, show possession but do not require an apostrophe (e.g., “hers,” “theirs,” “yours”).
Contractions
Contractions are created by combining two words into one, often omitting certain letters and replacing them with an apostrophe (e.g., “do not” becomes “don’t”).
The Case of “Everyone’s” vs. “Everyones”
The word “everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that refers to each person in a group. As a pronoun, it does not show possession on its own, and as an indefinite pronoun, it does not have a plural form. The confusion arises when trying to make “everyone” possessive or mistakenly attempting to pluralize it.
“Everyone’s” as a Possessive
“Everyone’s” is the correct possessive form of “everyone.” It is used to indicate that something belongs to every person in a group. Here, the apostrophe followed by an ‘s’ signifies ownership.
Examples of “Everyone’s” in Sentences:
- Everyone’s attention was focused on the speaker.
- The teacher asked about everyone’s homework.
- Everyone’s safety is our top priority.
In each instance, “everyone’s” correctly indicates that the attention, homework, and safety belong to each individual in the mentioned group.
“Everyones” as a Misconception
“Everyones” is a common grammatical error. It may be mistakenly used when someone tries to pluralize “everyone” or form a possessive without the proper use of an apostrophe.
Misconceptions in Use:
- Incorrect: Everyones opinions are important. (The correct form should be “Everyone’s opinions are important.”)
- Incorrect: The coach asked for everyones best performance. (The correct form should be “The coach asked for everyone’s best performance.”)
In both examples, the intent is to show possession, but the lack of an apostrophe makes the sentences grammatically incorrect.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion between “everyone’s” and “everyones” likely arises from the fact that English possessive forms can be tricky, especially with pronouns and indefinite pronouns. Since “everyone” is already inclusive of all individuals, there’s no need for a plural form, and its possessive form follows the standard rule of adding an apostrophe followed by an ‘s’.
The Importance of Correct Usage
Correct usage of “everyone’s” is significant for several reasons:
- Clarity of Communication: Using the correct possessive form eliminates confusion about ownership or association.
- Professionalism and Credibility: Accurate grammar usage is essential in formal writing and professional environments.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrating correct use of possessives reflects a strong grasp of English grammar.
Examples in Context:
- Business Email: Incorrect – “Please ensure everyones tasks are submitted by Friday.” Correct – “Please ensure everyone’s tasks are submitted by Friday.”
- Academic Essay: Incorrect – “Everyones result differed in the experiment.” Correct – “Everyone’s result differed in the experiment.”
In each corrected sentence, the proper possessive form “everyone’s” conveys the intended meaning and maintains grammatical standards.
How to Remember the Difference
A useful tip to avoid this common mistake is to always check if you are indicating possession when using “everyone.” If you are, then you need to include an apostrophe followed by an ‘s’ to form “everyone’s.”
Final Thoughts
The distinction between “everyone’s” and “everyones” is a prime example of why grammar matters. While the confusion is understandable, the difference is crucial for effective communication. By consistently using “everyone’s” to indicate possession, we can avoid misunderstandings and convey our messages with precision. So, the next time you’re about to type out that possessive, take a moment to check: have you got your apostrophe in place?
