Universal Pro-forms 

In this lesson we learn about universal pro-forms, which are essential parts of a sentence that substitute for any words or phrases, regardless of context. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.

Universal Pro-forms in English Grammar

What Are Universal Pro-forms?

Universal pro-forms are used to refer to the entirety of something, either by addressing each member of a complete group individually or by referring to the group as a whole.

Universal Pro-forms: Usage

Universal pro-forms are used to refer to all members of a group either as a whole or individually. For example:

Example

All students must have access to quality education.

(refers to the whole group)

Every student must have access to quality education.

(focuses on each individual member of the whole group)

Universal Pro-forms: Types

Because of their meaning, some determiners, pronouns, and adverbs are usually used in universal contexts. Let's have a look:

Determiner

Pronoun

Adverb

every

everybody (person)

everywhere (place)

each

everyone (person)

every time (frequency)

all

everything (thing)

every way (manner)

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Tip!

There are some uncommon universal words that are rarely used. Here is the list:

everywhence (adverb of source)

everywhither (adverb of purpose)

everywhen (adverb of time)

everywise (adverb of manner)

Universal Pro-form in Positive Statements

Universal words are typically used in affirmative sentences. When a universal word is used, a general, all-inclusive, and nonspecific group is intended. For example:

Example

Everyone likes her.

Everything is OK at the moment.

Universal Pro-forms in Negative Sentences

Universal Words can be used in negative sentences.

Example

I don't know everything.

Universals such as 'every' and 'all' can also be negated by adding the word 'not' before them, but keep in mind that in this case the verb remains affirmative.

Example

Not every noun has a plural form.

Not all his books are good.

Universal Pro-forms in Questions

Universal words can be used in negative and positive questions to refer to a whole group:

Example

Don't you think everything will turn out OK?

Is all well with you?

Universal Pro-forms: Agreement

Most universal words take singular verbs because they either represent a single entity or a collective group of entities that are treated as a single unit. Like collective nouns, universal words are also used with singular verbs and pronouns. For example:

Example

Each member of the family has the flu.

Everyone works hard.

Plural universal words take plural verbs.

Example

Both suspects match the description.

Some universal words can go with either a plural or a singular verb, depending on the noun they're referring to. 'All' is used with plural and uncountable nouns. For example:

Example

All ice is gone.

"ice" is uncountable, so a singular verb is used.

All five cubes of ice are gone.

"five cubes" is used to make "ice" countable. So, a plural verb is used.

'Every' is used with singular nouns and singular verbs because it treats the group as a whole.

Example

Every book in the library has a serial number.

'Each' is used before a singular noun with a singular verb. It can also be used before 'of' and a plural noun. The verb should still be singular:

Example

Each item was thoroughly checked.

Each of these people has some useful talent or experience.

Universal Distributives

Distributives refer to a group of people or things, and to individual members of the group. They show different ways of looking at the individuals within a group, and they express how something is distributed, shared, or divided.

Each vs. Every

One of the main differences between 'each' and 'every' is that 'each' is used to refer to the people or things in a group separately, one by one. 'Every', on the other hand, is used to refer to the whole group of people or things together.

Example

He spoke to each student in the class.

This sentence highlight individuality, meaning he spoke to each student separately.

He spoke to every student in the class.

This sentence focuses on the group of students as a whole.

Additionally, unlike 'every' which is always a determiner, 'each' can be used as both a determiner and a pronoun. When 'each' is used as a pronoun to refer to the subject of the clause, it usually appears between the subject and the main verb, after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after 'be' as a main verb.

Example

We have each agreed to help by contributing some money to the cause.

Every student was given a prize.

Furthermore, 'every' is normally used to refer to three or more people or things. It is not used with smaller numbers. However, 'each' can refer to two or more people or things.

Example

Each parent ✓

Every (one) of my parents ✗

The table below summarizes the differences between these two words:

Each

Every

refers to members of a group individually

refers to all members of a group as a whole

can be used for two persons or things

used for three or more persons or things

can be used as a pronoun

can only be used as a determiner

All vs. Every

'All' is used with a plural noun and a plural verb, while 'every' is used with a singular noun and a singular verb. 'Every' also implies 'without exception'.

Example

All winners receive a trophy.

'Winners' is a plural noun and 'receive' is a plural verb.

Every winner receives a trophy.

'Winner' is a singular noun and 'receives' is a singular verb.

We use 'all' with uncountable nouns because they cannot be counted individually. For example:

Example

I admire all art. (Not 'every art', because we cannot count art)

All vs. Each

'All' refers to the entire group as a whole. 'Each' refers to the individual members of the group.

Example

I say hello to all guests as they enter the room.

It means the speaker just says the word 'hello' once and addresses it to all guests.

I say hello to each guest as they enter the room.

It means the speaker says 'hello A, hello B, Hello C, hello D, etc. until all of the guest are greeted individually.

Quiz:


1.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a universal pro-form?

A

Every cat in the shelter are adopted quickly.

B

Every student in the school have a uniform.

C

All child enjoys the game.

D

Each car in the parking lot is cleaned every day.

2.

Sort the words to form a sentence using a universal pro-form.

to
every
pen
bring
student
.
to
class
has
day
a
every
3.

Match each universal pro-form with its correct usage description.

Every
Each
All
Used with plural or uncountable nouns to denote the entire set as a whole
Used with singular nouns to refer to all members collectively
Emphasizes individual items within a group
4.

Complete each sentence by choosing the appropriate universal pro-form.

the milk in the refrigerator smells sour.

The counselor spoke with

of the participants to understand their individual concerns.

must complete the mandatory training by the end of the month.

I looked

but couldn't find my keys.

I can't come to help you

you get in trouble.

all
each
everyone
everywhere
every time
everything
5.

Which of the following sentences uses the correct structure and universal pro-form?

A

Every furniture in the lobby was rearranged.

B

All furniture in the lobby was rearranged.

C

Each furniture in the lobby were rearranged.

D

All furnitures in the lobby were rearranged.

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