Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

BMO · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 705

Everyone makes a mistake or two in his life time, so they can learn from it.

Can't substitute we for they, correct?

Thanks.
bmo

Vin21 · Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 132

I think you can.In this case,they=we,because "everyone" could be including you ,although you didn't mention.
But I don't know if that's right or not.
Thanks. Razz

bud · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US

I like your logic, Vin, but I agree with BMO. I think you would hear native speakers use "we" sometimes, but I doubt that it is grammatical. Just a guess, though.

BMO · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 705

Thank you.

bmo

Piotr · Joined: 07 Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Location: syracuse, ny 13210

Since "everyone" includes the writer, I believe "we" is better.

river1974 · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 525 Location: Taiwan

I remember asterix told me that the grammatically correct pronoun in such as case should be "he." However, "they" are common and acceptable due to the sexual equality issue.

Piotr · Joined: 07 Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Location: syracuse, ny 13210

However, "they" is common etc.

river1974 · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 525 Location: Taiwan

Thanks for your correction, Piotr.