When "Every" is used

Question

When "every" is used in a sentence, what should I use to refer it again?

E.g. every student has [his/her/their] favorite things in this box.

I am always confused which one should I select.

Thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, ???—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.

???When "every" is used in a sentence, what should I use to refer it again?

'Every' is of course singular; the problem is with 'every student', because students are of both sexes.

If the *** of the individuals is not known or if they are composed of both sexes, then for conversation, we use 'their', which has been a neutral gender personal pronoun for many years.

But for formal writing, many teachers do not like it and insist on 'his or her' instead. That is fine if the reference is made only once, but it soon becomes boring and awkward if repeated. I always suggest to my students that they recast their sentences to the plural if possible, and that usually works fine:

All the students have their favorite things in this box.

PS: I have sent you a private message; please check your Inbox.

Gimhyeonmin · Answer

Thank you.
According to your asnwer, Avoding using every is the best? The word "Every" is not preferred in formal writing?

Mister Micawber · Answer

???Avoding using every is the best?

No. Avoiding the pronoun problem is best.

???The word "Every" is not preferred in formal writing?

No. It is fine in formal writing.

When "Every" is used

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