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A1 pronoun #44 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

everything

Top 44

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces everything en 30 secondes

Explication everything in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'everything' is a very helpful word because it lets you talk about a group of things without knowing all their names. It means 'all the things' in a specific place or situation. For example, if you are in a classroom, 'everything' means the desks, the chairs, the books, and the pens. It is a singular word, so we always use 'is' with it. You can use it to ask questions like 'Is everything okay?' or 'Is everything ready?' It is a simple way to check if a situation is good. You also use it to talk about your belongings, like 'I have everything in my bag.' It is one of the first pronouns you should learn because it is used every day in many different places like shops, restaurants, and at home.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'everything' in more varied sentence structures. You might use it as an object, like 'He told me everything,' or with a relative clause, like 'Everything that I bought is on the table.' You also learn that 'everything' can describe a whole situation, not just physical objects. For example, 'Everything is going well at my new job.' This shows you are talking about your tasks, your boss, and your coworkers all at once. You also begin to understand the difference between 'everything' and 'all.' You know that 'everything' is a pronoun that stands alone, while 'all' often needs a noun after it. This helps you avoid common mistakes like saying 'everything people' instead of 'all people.'

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At the B1 level, you use 'everything' to express more complex ideas and feelings. You might use it for emphasis or in idiomatic expressions. For example, you might say 'Money isn't everything' to discuss values and what is truly important in life. You also learn to use 'everything' with 'but' to show exceptions, like 'Everything was perfect but the food.' This allows you to give more detailed and nuanced descriptions. You also start to use 'everything' in professional contexts, such as 'I have prepared everything for the meeting.' At this level, you are comfortable using the word to summarize large amounts of information or to express a sense of completeness in your daily life and work.

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At the B2 level, you understand the subtle nuances of 'everything' in different registers. You can use it hyperbolically to add drama to your speech, or you can use it in a more formal way to describe systems and theories. You might say, 'This new policy affects everything in the company,' showing a deep understanding of cause and effect. You also master the negative form 'not everything' to avoid making overgeneralizations. For instance, 'Not everything he says is accurate' is a more sophisticated way of being critical than just saying 'He lies.' You are also aware of synonyms like 'the entirety' or 'the whole lot' and can choose the best word for the situation, whether you are writing an essay or chatting with friends.

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At the C1 level, you use 'everything' with precision and style. You might use it in complex philosophical discussions about the nature of the universe, such as 'The search for a theory of everything.' You are also adept at using it to create rhetorical effects in your writing. For example, you might use a list followed by 'everything' to summarize a point with impact: 'The laughter, the tears, the long nights—everything contributed to our success.' You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in literature and media. You can distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings effortlessly and use the word to convey a sense of total immersion or absolute importance in any given context.

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At the C2 level, your use of 'everything' is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker. You use it with a full range of idiomatic and metaphorical meanings. You might use it to describe a person's character ('He is everything a gentleman should be') or to discuss abstract concepts with high-level vocabulary. You are aware of the most obscure idioms involving the word and can use them appropriately. Your grammar is flawless, and you use 'everything' to create sophisticated sentence structures that flow naturally. You can also analyze the use of the word in complex texts, identifying how it contributes to the author's tone and message. For you, 'everything' is a versatile tool for expressing the most profound and the most mundane aspects of the human experience.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

everything en 30 secondes

Everything is a singular pronoun that refers to all things or the whole of a situation, used to express totality and completeness in daily speech.
It is grammatically singular, meaning it always takes singular verbs like 'is' or 'was,' despite referring to a collection of multiple items or ideas.
The word is highly versatile, used in contexts ranging from casual service interactions to deep philosophical discussions about the nature of the entire universe.
Commonly paired with 'but' to show exceptions or 'not' for partial negation, it is a key tool for summarizing information and emphasizing importance.

The word everything is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the English language. At its core, it is an indefinite pronoun that functions as a collective term for the totality of objects, ideas, or circumstances within a specific context. When we say everything, we are not just listing items; we are creating a boundary around a set and declaring that nothing has been left out. This word is essential for A1 learners because it allows for high-level generalization before one has the vocabulary to name every individual component of a group. It simplifies communication by providing a universal placeholder for 'all things.' In daily life, it is used to check on the status of a situation, to express satisfaction, or to describe the entirety of one's possessions or experiences. Its power lies in its inclusivity; it leaves no room for exceptions unless specifically qualified later in the sentence.

The Universal Scope: In a literal sense, everything refers to the entire universe and all existing matter. However, in conversation, the scope is usually narrowed by the context. If a waiter asks, 'Is everything okay?' they are referring specifically to the food, the service, and the atmosphere of your current meal, not the state of the world at large.

I packed everything I need for the trip into one small suitcase.

Beyond physical objects, everything often refers to abstract concepts like feelings, facts, or events. When someone says, 'Everything changed after that day,' they are talking about their entire life perspective, their relationships, and their daily routines. It is a word of great emotional weight. In romantic or highly personal contexts, calling someone 'my everything' elevates them to the position of the most important person in one's life, encompassing all needs and desires. This versatility makes it a frequent choice in songwriting and poetry. Furthermore, it is used in logical reasoning to denote a universal truth. If everything has a cause, then nothing happens by chance. This philosophical application shows that while the word is learned at the A1 level, its implications reach into the highest levels of human thought and academic discourse.

The Concept of Totality: Totality implies that the set is complete. When a teacher says, 'Everything you need for the exam is in this book,' they are guaranteeing that no external information is required. This builds trust through linguistic certainty.

Money isn't everything, but it certainly helps in difficult times.

In social interactions, everything serves as a conversational lubricant. Asking 'How is everything?' is a polite way to invite someone to share as much or as little as they want about their life. It is less intrusive than asking about specific problems but more inclusive than a simple 'How are you?' It suggests a genuine interest in the person's whole situation. Additionally, in workplace environments, the word is used to ensure alignment. A manager might ask, 'Is everything ready for the presentation?' to confirm that the slides, the room, the technology, and the speakers are all prepared. Here, everything acts as a checklist in a single word. It reduces cognitive load by grouping multiple tasks into one conceptual unit. As learners progress, they will find that everything is often paired with 'but' to create contrast, such as 'Everything was perfect but the weather,' which highlights a single exception in an otherwise complete set of positive circumstances.

The Most Important Thing: Sometimes, everything doesn't mean 'all things' but rather 'the only thing that matters.' In the sentence 'Winning is everything,' the speaker is emphasizing that no other outcome has any value to them.

She lost everything in the fire, but she remained hopeful.

Is everything clear, or should I explain it again?

Using everything correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical personality. The most important rule for any learner to master is that everything is a singular pronoun. This can be confusing because it refers to a multitude of things, but in the eyes of English grammar, it is a single collective unit. Therefore, it always takes a singular verb. You must say 'Everything is' and never 'Everything are.' This rule applies across all tenses: 'Everything was,' 'Everything has been,' and 'Everything seems.' When you use it as a subject, the rest of the sentence must align with this singular nature. For example, 'Everything in the room was blue.' Even though there are many objects in the room, the word everything treats them as one group.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always treat 'everything' as a singular entity. Example: 'Everything happens for a reason.' The 's' on 'happens' indicates the singular third-person present tense, matching the pronoun perfectly.

Everything about the movie was absolutely fantastic.

Another key aspect of using everything is its placement in a sentence. It can function as the subject, the direct object, or the object of a preposition. As a subject: 'Everything is going according to plan.' As an object: 'He told me everything.' As an object of a preposition: 'I am worried about everything.' It is also frequently modified by adjectives or relative clauses to specify which 'everything' we are talking about. You might say 'everything that I bought' or 'everything on the table.' This allows the speaker to define the boundaries of the totality. Interestingly, when we want to emphasize the word, we often place it at the beginning of a sentence for dramatic effect: 'Everything I ever wanted is right here.' This structure draws the listener's attention to the scale of the statement before revealing the specific focus.

Modifying Everything: You can add descriptions after the word. 'Everything possible was done' or 'Everything necessary is in the box.' This narrows the scope while keeping the sense of completeness.

I have everything except for my keys.

In more advanced usage, everything can be used to create a sense of overwhelming scale or importance. In academic writing, it might be used to describe a comprehensive theory: 'This model explains everything about the market's behavior.' In casual speech, it is often used with hyperbole (exaggeration). When someone says 'I have everything to do today,' they don't literally mean every possible task in existence, but rather that they have a very large number of tasks. Understanding this hyperbolic use is crucial for natural-sounding English. Furthermore, everything is often used in negative constructions to show that not all parts of a whole are true. 'Not everything he says is a lie' implies that while some things are lies, others are not. This nuanced use of 'not everything' is a step up from basic A1 usage and helps learners express more complex thoughts about truth and reality.

Negative Constructions: Using 'not everything' allows you to avoid 'all or nothing' thinking. It suggests that while the majority might be one way, there are exceptions.

Tell me everything that happened at the party.

He is everything a leader should be.

The word everything is ubiquitous in the English-speaking world, appearing in almost every conceivable social and professional context. In the service industry—restaurants, hotels, and retail stores—you will hear it constantly. Staff members use it to ensure customer satisfaction. A waiter might approach a table and ask, 'Is everything to your liking?' This use of everything is a polite shorthand for 'Is the food good? Is the temperature of the room okay? Do you have enough water?' It covers all the bases of the customer experience in one simple question. Similarly, in a clothing store, a clerk might ask, 'Did you find everything you were looking for?' This is a standard closing question designed to ensure the customer hasn't missed anything they intended to buy.

In Customer Service: Service workers use 'everything' to provide a comprehensive check-in. It makes the customer feel that their entire experience is being considered, not just one part of it.

Is everything alright with your order, sir?

In the world of entertainment—movies, music, and literature—everything is a high-impact word used to convey drama and intensity. In romantic movies, a character might confess, 'You are everything to me.' This uses the word to signify that the other person is the center of their world, encompassing all their happiness and meaning. In action films, a villain might threaten to 'destroy everything,' which creates a sense of total stakes. In music, the word is a favorite for songwriters because it rhymes easily and carries a lot of emotional weight. Think of songs like 'Everything I Do (I Do It for You)' by Bryan Adams or 'Everything' by Michael Bublé. These songs use the word to express total devotion and the idea that one person or one feeling can fill a person's entire life. This cultural usage reinforces the idea that everything is not just a count of items, but a measure of importance.

In Popular Media: Media uses 'everything' to heighten stakes. It transforms a specific situation into a universal one, making the audience feel the full weight of the narrative.

In the end, everything will be okay. If it's not okay, it's not the end.

In professional and academic settings, everything is used to describe systems and comprehensive sets. A scientist might speak about a 'Theory of Everything,' which is a hypothetical framework that explains all physical aspects of the universe. In business meetings, you might hear 'Everything is on the table,' meaning that all options are being considered and nothing has been ruled out. This usage is more formal and precise. It signals a commitment to thoroughness and transparency. Even in the news, you'll hear it used to describe the impact of major events: 'The storm destroyed everything in its path.' This paints a vivid picture of total devastation. Whether in a casual chat with a friend or a high-level scientific discussion, everything is the go-to word for expressing the concept of the whole, making it an indispensable part of the English lexicon.

In Professional Settings: Professionals use 'everything' to indicate completeness in planning or analysis. It shows that a process has been exhaustive and no detail has been overlooked.

We need to double-check everything before the launch.

Everything points to a successful outcome for the project.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with everything is treating it as a plural word. Because everything refers to 'all things,' it is natural to think it should take a plural verb like 'are.' However, in English, indefinite pronouns ending in -thing (everything, something, anything, nothing) are always singular. Saying 'Everything are ready' is a classic mistake. The correct form is 'Everything is ready.' This singular nature also affects pronouns that refer back to everything. While 'they' is increasingly used as a singular gender-neutral pronoun, traditionally, you would use 'it' to refer back to the concept of everything. For example, 'Everything is in its place,' not 'Everything is in their place,' although the latter is becoming more common in casual spoken English.

The Plural Trap: Mistake: 'Everything were perfect.' Correct: 'Everything was perfect.' Remember that the word 'every' always signals a singular grammatical structure in English.

Incorrect: Everything are expensive here. Correct: Everything is expensive here.

Another common mistake involves the confusion between everything and 'all.' While they are similar in meaning, they are used differently in sentences. 'All' usually requires a noun to follow it (e.g., 'All the books'), whereas everything stands alone as a pronoun. You cannot say 'Everything books are on the table.' You must say 'All the books are on the table' or 'Everything is on the table.' Learners also sometimes confuse everything with 'every thing' (two words). While 'everything' is the general pronoun, 'every thing' is used when you want to emphasize each individual item separately. For example, 'I checked every thing on the list' suggests a very careful, item-by-item inspection, whereas 'I checked everything' is a more general statement of completion.

Everything vs. All: 'Everything' is a pronoun that replaces a noun. 'All' is often a determiner that modifies a noun. You can say 'Everything is gone' but you must say 'All the food is gone.'

Incorrect: I want everything books. Correct: I want all the books.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the negative form of everything. To say that 'not all things are true,' the correct structure is 'Not everything is true.' Some learners mistakenly say 'Everything is not true,' which can actually mean 'Nothing is true' (the total opposite). This is a subtle but important distinction in logic and meaning. 'Not everything' means some parts are true and some are not. 'Everything is not' often sounds like a clumsy way of saying 'Nothing is.' To be clear, always place the 'not' before 'everything' if you want to express that there are exceptions. Mastering these small details will help you move from a basic understanding to a more sophisticated and accurate use of the English language, ensuring your meaning is always clear to native speakers.

Negative Logic: Place 'not' at the start for partial negation. 'Not everything' = some but not all. 'Everything is not' = often interpreted as 'nothing is,' which is much stronger.

Not everything you read on the internet is true.

I can't do everything by myself; I need your help.

While everything is a versatile word, English offers several alternatives that can provide more precision or a different tone depending on the context. The most common synonym is 'all,' but as discussed, 'all' usually functions as a determiner. For example, 'Everything is lost' vs. 'All is lost.' The latter sounds more poetic or dramatic and is often found in literature. Another close relative is 'each thing' or 'every thing' (two words). These are used when the speaker wants to emphasize the individual parts of the whole rather than the whole itself. If you say, 'I looked at everything,' it's a general statement. If you say, 'I looked at every single thing,' you are emphasizing your thoroughness and attention to detail.

Everything vs. All: 'Everything' is more common in daily speech. 'All' as a standalone pronoun (e.g., 'All is well') is more formal, old-fashioned, or literary.

She gave everything she had to the charity. (Alternative: She gave all she had...)

In more formal or technical contexts, you might use words like 'the entirety,' 'the whole,' or 'the sum total.' These words emphasize the completeness of a set in a more structured way. For instance, instead of saying 'Everything was destroyed,' a formal report might say 'The entirety of the structure was destroyed.' This sounds more objective and professional. 'The whole' is often used with a noun, like 'the whole situation' or 'the whole story,' which can be a more descriptive alternative to just saying everything. Another interesting alternative is 'the works,' which is a slang or informal term often used in restaurants. If you order a burger with 'the works,' you are asking for every possible topping available. This shows how the concept of 'everything' can be adapted into different registers of speech.

Formal Alternatives: 'The entirety' and 'the totality' are excellent choices for academic writing or legal documents where precision about the whole is required.

The entirety of the evidence suggests he is innocent.

Finally, when everything is used to mean 'the most important thing,' synonyms like 'paramount,' 'essential,' or 'all-important' can be used to add variety to your writing. Instead of saying 'Family is everything,' you could say 'Family is paramount.' This changes the tone from emotional and colloquial to serious and emphatic. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your language to your audience. Whether you want to sound casual with 'the works,' poetic with 'all,' or professional with 'the entirety,' knowing the synonyms for everything gives you the flexibility to express the concept of totality in a way that fits your specific needs. As you practice, try replacing everything with one of these alternatives to see how it changes the feel of your sentences.

Comparison Table: Everything (General/Common) vs. All (Poetic/Broad) vs. The Entirety (Formal/Technical) vs. The Works (Informal/Specific).

I want a pizza with the works—pepperoni, mushrooms, and extra cheese!

The sum total of our efforts led to this victory.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'thing' originally meant a 'meeting' or 'assembly' in Old English. So, 'everything' etymologically relates to 'every assembly' or 'every matter of discussion.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈev.ri.θɪŋ/

US /ˈev.ri.θɪŋ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: EV-ry-thing.

Rime avec

anything something nothing sing ring king wing bring

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as four syllables (ev-er-y-thing) instead of three (ev-ry-thing).
Pronouncing the 'th' as a 'd' or 't' (ev-ry-ding).
Putting stress on the last syllable (ev-ry-THING).
Failing to use the nasal 'ng' sound at the end.
Muttering the middle 'ry' so it disappears entirely.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a common A1 word.

Écriture 2/5

Slightly harder due to the singular verb agreement rule.

Expression orale 1/5

Used constantly in daily conversation.

Écoute 1/5

Clear pronunciation and high frequency make it easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

every thing is all some

Apprends ensuite

everyone everywhere something anything nothing

Avancé

entirety totality comprehensive universal omnipresent

Grammaire à connaître

Indefinite Pronoun Agreement

Everything is (not are) singular.

Relative Clause Reduction

Everything (that) I want is here.

Partial Negation

Not everything is true (some things are false).

Adjective Placement

Everything necessary (adjective follows the pronoun).

Prepositional Modification

Everything in the world (prepositional phrase follows).

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Exemples par niveau

Is everything okay?

Is all good?

Uses 'is' because 'everything' is singular.

I have everything in my bag.

All my things are in the bag.

'Everything' is the object of the verb 'have'.

Everything is ready for the party.

All the party things are done.

Singular subject-verb agreement.

He knows everything about cars.

He has all the car information.

'Everything' acts as the object.

Everything here is very expensive.

All the items in this shop cost a lot.

Adverb 'here' modifies the pronoun.

I want to buy everything!

I want all the things in the store.

Infinitive 'to buy' followed by the object.

Is everything clear now?

Do you understand all of it?

Question form with 'is'.

Everything was perfect yesterday.

The whole day was great.

Past tense singular 'was'.

Tell me everything that happened.

Give me all the details.

Relative clause 'that happened' modifies 'everything'.

Everything is going according to plan.

The plan is working perfectly.

Present continuous tense.

I checked everything twice.

I looked at all things two times.

Adverb 'twice' modifies the action.

Everything in this box is for you.

All items inside are yours.

Prepositional phrase 'in this box' modifies the subject.

She forgot everything she learned.

She doesn't remember any of it.

Relative clause without 'that'.

Is everything included in the price?

Does the price cover all costs?

Passive voice 'is included'.

Everything seems much better today.

The whole situation looks improved.

Linking verb 'seems' in singular form.

He lost everything in the storm.

All his possessions are gone.

Past simple tense.

Money isn't everything in life.

Other things are also important.

Negative 'is not' with 'everything'.

Everything was great, but the music was too loud.

All was good except the sound.

Contrast using 'but'.

I've done everything I can to help.

I tried all possible ways.

Present perfect tense.

Everything happens for a reason.

There is a cause for all events.

Common philosophical idiom.

Is everything to your satisfaction?

Are you happy with all of it?

Formal service language.

She is everything I ever wanted in a friend.

She has all the qualities I like.

Relative clause 'I ever wanted'.

Everything about that day was magical.

The whole day felt like a dream.

Prepositional phrase 'about that day'.

I'll do everything in my power to fix this.

I will try my absolute best.

Idiomatic expression of effort.

Not everything that glitters is gold.

Appearances can be deceptive.

Proverb using partial negation.

Everything points to a change in the weather.

All signs suggest it will change.

Verb 'points' in singular form.

He sacrificed everything for his career.

He gave up all other parts of life.

Past simple with emotional weight.

Everything is on the table during these negotiations.

All options are being discussed.

Idiom meaning 'all options open'.

The storm destroyed everything in its path.

Total destruction occurred.

Vivid descriptive usage.

I've lost everything, but I still have my dignity.

Total loss of possessions.

Contrast between physical and abstract.

Everything you say will be used against you.

All your words are evidence.

Legal context.

She has a theory that explains everything.

A comprehensive explanation.

Academic/scientific usage.

The search for a 'Theory of Everything' continues.

A total physical explanation.

Scientific term as a noun phrase.

Everything, from the smallest atom to the largest star, is connected.

Total cosmic connection.

Appositive phrase for emphasis.

To some, winning isn't just important; it's everything.

Winning is the only goal.

Rhetorical emphasis.

Not everything is as it seems at first glance.

Reality is complex.

Nuanced negation.

He is everything a leader should be: brave, wise, and kind.

He embodies all leadership traits.

Colon used for listing qualities.

Everything about her performance was masterfully executed.

The whole show was perfect.

Adverb 'masterfully' modifying the verb.

The fire took everything, leaving only ashes and memories.

Total loss of material goods.

Participle phrase 'leaving only...'.

In this digital age, everything is recorded and stored.

Total data collection.

Passive voice with two verbs.

The sheer scale of the disaster meant that everything was in flux.

Total instability.

Idiom 'in flux' with 'everything'.

She was his everything, the sun around which his world orbited.

She was his whole world.

Metaphorical use as a noun.

Everything, it seems, is subject to the relentless march of time.

Nothing escapes time.

Parenthetical 'it seems' for tone.

To know everything is to know nothing at all.

A philosophical paradox.

Parallel structure for paradox.

The author weaves everything together into a seamless narrative.

Total integration of parts.

Phrasal verb 'weave together'.

Everything about the situation was fraught with difficulty.

The whole thing was very hard.

Advanced adjective 'fraught'.

He had everything to gain and nothing to lose.

A situation of high potential.

Balanced contrast structure.

The concept of 'everything' is itself a linguistic convenience.

The word is just a tool.

Reflexive pronoun 'itself'.

Collocations courantes

everything is fine

is everything okay?

everything you need

lose everything

everything but

tell me everything

everything possible

money isn't everything

everything under the sun

change everything

Phrases Courantes

Everything's coming up roses

— Everything is happening in a very positive way. It suggests total success.

Since she got the promotion, everything's coming up roses.

Everything but the kitchen sink

— Almost everything imaginable has been included. It implies an excessive amount.

She packed everything but the kitchen sink for a two-day trip.

First of all, everything is...

— Used to start a comprehensive explanation. It sets the stage for a full report.

First of all, everything is going according to the schedule.

Everything in moderation

— One should not do too much of any one thing. It is a rule for a balanced life.

You can eat cake, but remember: everything in moderation.

Everything has its price

— There is a cost or a downside to every advantage. Nothing is truly free.

He is famous now, but everything has its price; he has no privacy.

Everything will be alright

— A phrase used to comfort someone. It promises that the whole situation will improve.

Don't cry; everything will be alright in the end.

Is everything all right?

— A common way to ask if there are any problems. It is a polite check-in.

You've been quiet all evening; is everything all right?

Everything is on the line

— Everything is at risk of being lost. It describes a very high-stakes situation.

With this final game, everything is on the line for the team.

Everything points to...

— All the evidence suggests a certain conclusion. It is used in logical reasoning.

Everything points to him being the winner of the contest.

I'll do everything I can

— A promise to give total effort. It shows a high level of commitment.

I'll do everything I can to make sure you get the job.

Souvent confondu avec

everything vs all

'All' usually modifies a noun (All the people), while 'everything' is a standalone pronoun.

everything vs every thing

Two words are used for extreme emphasis on each individual item; one word is the general pronoun.

everything vs anything

'Anything' is used in questions and negatives for 'any one thing,' while 'everything' means 'all things.'

Expressions idiomatiques

"Everything but the kitchen sink"

— Including nearly every possible thing. It often implies that someone has overpacked or over-included items.

When they went camping, they took everything but the kitchen sink.

informal

"Winning isn't everything"

— The idea that the process or sportsmanship is more important than the final victory.

The coach reminded the kids that winning isn't everything; having fun is.

neutral

"Everything's coming up roses"

— A situation where everything is succeeding or going perfectly.

After a year of bad luck, everything's coming up roses for him now.

informal

"To be someone's everything"

— To be the most important person in someone's life, fulfilling all their emotional needs.

She told him that he was her everything.

informal/romantic

"Everything under the sun"

— Every possible thing that exists or can be imagined.

We talked about everything under the sun until three in the morning.

neutral

"Everything in its place"

— The idea that all things should be organized and where they belong.

She likes her house to be perfect, with everything in its place.

neutral

"Everything happens for a reason"

— The belief that all events, even bad ones, are part of a larger plan or purpose.

I was sad I lost my job, but everything happens for a reason; I found a better one.

neutral

"Give it everything you've got"

— To put the maximum possible effort into a task or goal.

In the final minutes of the race, he gave it everything he'd got.

informal

"Everything is on the table"

— All options or possibilities are being considered; nothing has been excluded.

To save the company, everything is on the table, including layoffs.

neutral/business

"Drop everything"

— To immediately stop what you are doing to attend to something else.

When she heard the news, she dropped everything and ran to the hospital.

neutral

Facile à confondre

everything vs everybody

Both start with 'every.'

'Everybody' refers to all people; 'everything' refers to all objects or situations.

Everybody is happy because everything is free.

everything vs everywhere

Both start with 'every.'

'Everywhere' refers to all places; 'everything' refers to all things.

Everything is messy everywhere in the house.

everything vs something

Both end in '-thing.'

'Something' refers to one unspecified thing; 'everything' refers to all things.

I know something, but I don't know everything.

everything vs nothing

Both end in '-thing.'

'Nothing' means zero things; 'everything' means all things.

He has nothing, but she has everything.

everything vs anything

Both end in '-thing.'

'Anything' is used for 'any one thing' (often in questions); 'everything' is 'all things.'

You can have anything, but you can't have everything.

Structures de phrases

Everything is + [adjective]

Everything is good.

Is everything + [adjective]?

Is everything okay?

Everything + [relative clause]

Everything I bought is here.

[Verb] + everything

I saw everything.

Everything but + [noun]

I like everything but coffee.

Not everything is + [adjective]

Not everything is easy.

Everything about + [noun]

Everything about the plan is secret.

[List], everything + [verb]

The rain, the wind, the cold—everything was terrible.

Famille de mots

Noms

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; ranked within the top 500 most common words in English.

Erreurs courantes

Everything are ready. → Everything is ready.
Learners often use plural verbs because 'everything' implies many things. However, it is grammatically singular.
I like everything books. → I like all the books.
'Everything' is a pronoun and cannot modify a noun directly. Use 'all' or 'every' instead.
Everything is not true. → Not everything is true.
While both are possible, 'Not everything' is the standard way to say that some things are false. 'Everything is not' can sound like 'nothing is.'
He told me every thing. → He told me everything.
Unless you are emphasizing each individual item separately, 'everything' should be written as one word.
Is anything okay? → Is everything okay?
In a service context, 'everything' is used to check the whole situation. 'Anything' sounds like you are asking if even one small thing is alright.

Astuces

Singular Verb Rule

Always use a singular verb with 'everything.' It's a collective pronoun. Think of it as one big box containing many items. The box is singular.

Everything vs. All

Use 'everything' when you don't have a noun following it. Use 'all' when you do. 'Everything is here' vs. 'All the people are here.'

Service Check-in

Use 'Is everything okay?' to be polite in social or service situations. It shows you care about the whole experience.

Summarizing

Use 'everything' at the end of a list to wrap up your thoughts. 'The food, the music, the people—everything was perfect.'

Partial Negation

Remember that 'Not everything' means 'some.' It's a great way to avoid being too extreme in your statements.

The Kitchen Sink

Learn the idiom 'everything but the kitchen sink' to describe someone who overdoes something or overpacks.

Three Syllables

Don't say 'ev-er-y-thing.' Say 'ev-ry-thing.' Skipping the middle 'e' makes you sound much more natural.

How's everything?

This is a great alternative to 'How are you?' It invites a broader conversation about a person's life.

The Entirety

In formal essays, try using 'the entirety of' instead of 'everything' to sound more professional and precise.

My Everything

Use 'You are my everything' only in very close, romantic relationships. It's a very strong and deep statement.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Every' + 'Thing'. It's not just some things, it's every single thing you can imagine. The 'E' stands for 'Entirety'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant circle that contains every object in the world inside it. That circle is 'everything.'

Word Web

all total complete universe whole entirety every thing

Défi

Try to write five sentences about your room using the word 'everything' to describe different groups of items.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle English 'everi thing,' which combined 'everich' (each) and 'thing' (object or matter). It has been used in its current form since the 14th century.

Sens originel : Each individual thing or all things taken together.

Germanic (English)

Contexte culturel

Generally a very safe and positive word, but can be used hyperbolically in ways that might sound dramatic or insincere if overused.

Used as a standard check-in in restaurants and shops to ensure total customer satisfaction.

The movie 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022). The song 'Everything' by Michael Bublé. The 'Theory of Everything' in physics (Stephen Hawking).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

Is everything okay?
Everything was delicious.
Does this include everything?
I'll have everything on the menu!

At Work

Everything is on schedule.
I've finished everything.
Is everything ready for the boss?
We need to check everything again.

At Home

Everything is in the kitchen.
Did you pack everything?
Everything is a mess!
I love everything about this house.

Shopping

I found everything I needed.
How much for everything?
Everything is on sale.
I want to see everything you have.

Socializing

How is everything with you?
Everything is going great.
Tell me everything!
You are my everything.

Amorces de conversation

"How is everything going with your new job lately?"

"If you could change everything about your city, what would you do first?"

"Do you believe that everything happens for a reason, or is it all luck?"

"Tell me everything about the best vacation you ever had."

"Is everything ready for your big presentation next week?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time when everything seemed to go wrong, but it turned out okay in the end.

If you had to lose everything you own but could keep three items, what would they be?

Describe everything you can see from your window right now in great detail.

What does the phrase 'Money isn't everything' mean to you personally?

Reflect on a day when everything felt perfect. What made it so special?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is always singular. Even though it refers to many things, the word itself is a singular pronoun. Therefore, you must use singular verbs like 'is,' 'was,' and 'has.' For example, 'Everything is ready' is correct, while 'Everything are ready' is wrong.

No, that is redundant. 'Everything' already means 'all things.' You should just say 'everything.' For example, 'I want everything' instead of 'I want all everything.'

'Everything' is a pronoun that stands alone (e.g., 'Everything is gone'). 'All' is usually a determiner that needs a noun (e.g., 'All the food is gone'). 'All' can be a pronoun in formal or poetic speech (e.g., 'All is well'), but 'everything' is much more common in daily conversation.

You can put 'not' before it to mean 'some but not all' (e.g., 'Not everything is true'). Or you can use it with a negative verb to mean 'none' in some contexts, though 'nothing' is usually better. 'I don't have everything' means you are missing some things.

It is almost always one word: 'everything.' You only use two words, 'every thing,' when you want to put extreme emphasis on each individual item separately, such as 'He checked every single thing in the room.'

No, 'everything' only refers to objects, ideas, or situations. To refer to all people, you must use 'everyone' or 'everybody.' However, you can say someone is 'your everything' metaphorically.

It is an idiom that means 'almost everything you can imagine.' It is often used to describe someone who has packed too many things for a trip or included too many details in a report.

It is pronounced as three syllables: EV-ry-thing. The middle 'e' is silent. The stress is on the first syllable. Make sure to make a clear 'th' sound and a nasal 'ng' at the end.

Yes, it is very common as a subject. For example, 'Everything is going well' or 'Everything changed after the war.' Just remember to keep the verb singular.

Common synonyms include 'all,' 'the whole lot,' 'the entirety,' and 'the works.' The choice depends on how formal or informal you want to be.

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