Making the Action Match the Person Doing the Action

When more than one person or thing is doing the same action, choose the action word that matches we or they.

Example

Ben and Jamie are walking by the lake.

For words that refer to groups of people or things, use a singular action word as if one person or thing is doing the action.

Example

The soccer team is preparing for the first game.

When you see each, every, everyone, anyone, anybody, someone, somebody, or nobody, use a singular action word as if one person or thing is doing the action.

When you see both, all, few, many, most, certain, some, or several, use a plural action word as if two people are doing the action.

Examples

Each person is eating lunch right now.

Both people are eating lunch right now.