Is it 'everybody has' or 'everybody have'?

The correct form is 'everybody has' because 'everybody' is a singular indefinite pronoun.

Why is 'everybody' singular when it means all people?

In English, indefinite pronouns ending in '-body' (everybody, somebody, nobody) are grammatically singular because they refer to each person individually, not as a group.

Everybody Has or Everybody Have? Which One Is Correct

Quick Answer

The correct form is "everybody has."

Even though "everybody" refers to all people, it is grammatically singular and takes "has."

Explanation

Everybody is an indefinite pronoun that refers to every person. Despite meaning "all people," it is grammatically treated as singular because it refers to each person individually.

Rule: Everybody/Everyone + singular verb (has/is/does/was)

Think of it this way: "Everybody" = "every single body" = singular

This same rule applies to: everyone, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, nobody

Examples

✔Everybody has their own opinion.

✔Has everybody finished the test?

✔Everybody has been waiting for hours.

✘Everybody have their own opinion.

A Note on "Their"

You might notice we say "Everybody has their own opinion." This is correct! While the verb is singular (has), we often use "their" as a gender-neutral pronoun to refer back to "everybody."

Remember: The verb agrees with "everybody" (singular), but "their" is acceptable as a gender-neutral pronoun reference.

Common Mistake

Incorrect: Everybody have to submit the form by Friday.

Correct: Everybody has to submit the form by Friday.

Practice

Fix the sentence:

"Everybody have already eaten lunch."