grammar - Is the phrase “every X and every Y” singular or plural?


‘Every’ is considered singular, or so I have been told.



Every boy is happy.



However, what is correct when ‘every’ is used in both components of a compound subject?



Every boy and every girl is happy.


Every boy and every girl are happy.



People on my end give unconvincing arguments for both. I find neither particularly appealing. Still, one of them must be correct. Which one, and why?



Answer



Normally a combination of singulars equates to a plural, as you know.


John is happy.
John and Sue are happy.


BUT when the singles are grouped by a singular adjective, they maintain their single count. This is because singular grouping adjectives like "every" stay singular even if referring to more than one person.


Despite the room being full of people, everybody is happy.
Every Tom, Dick and Harry is here.
But any boy or girl who misbehaves will be punished.


Therefore the correct statement is:


Every boy and every girl is happy.


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