Question

Consider the following statements

1. Every one of the candidates was interviewed.
2. Each of the candidates were interviewed.
3. Every candidates was interviewed.

• A. (i) only
• B. (ii) only
• C. (i) and (iii) only
• D. (i), (ii) and (iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. (i) only

(i) Every one of the candidates was interviewed. – Correct

• Every one is treated as singular.

• Therefore, the singular verb was is used.

• The noun candidates is plural, but it does not affect subject–verb agreement because the actual subject is Every one.

(ii) Each of the candidates were interviewed. – Incorrect

• Each is always treated as singular when used as the subject.

• Therefore, were should be replaced with was.

Correct sentence: Each of the candidates was interviewed.

(iii) Every candidates was interviewed. – Incorrect

• Every must be followed by a singular countable noun.

• Therefore, candidates should be replaced with candidate.

Correct sentence: Every candidate was interviewed.

Important Grammar Rules

Expression	Correct usage
Every candidate	Singular noun
Every one of the candidates	Singular verb
Each candidate	Singular verb
Each of the candidates	Singular verb
All candidates	Plural verb

More Examples

1. Every student is present.

2. Each of the boys has a book.

3. Every one of them was selected.

4. Each teacher is responsible.