Does Anybody or Do Anybody: Which is Correct?

Does anybody is the correct usage. Do anybody is considered grammatically incorrect.

“Anybody” is a third-person singular form, so it takes “-s” in the present simple tense. That’s why “does anybody” is correct.

Let’s explore the reason behind this and the correct usage of the phrase ‘does anybody’ in everyday conversations.

Does Anybody or Do Anybody: Which is Correct?

The easy answer to this question is that “does anybody” is the right way to say it.

To get why “Does anybody” is correct, we first need to explain what an “indefinite pronoun” is.

An indefinite pronoun is a word that refers to a person, place, or thing without naming it specifically. Words like “anybody,” “someone,” and “nothing” are examples of indefinite pronouns.

These pronouns need helper verbs to form questions and negatives. “Do” and “does” are auxiliary verbs that are used to form questions in the present tense.

Singular vs. Plural Usage 

“Do” is used for the first and second person singular and plural, 

“Does” is used for the third person singular.

“Anybody” is a third person singular pronoun. Therefore, it takes a singular verb when used in a sentence. 

In the case of the auxiliary verb ‘do’ you need to add “-s” to make it singular. This is why “does anybody” is the correct usage. 

That is why we say “does anybody” instead of “do anybody.”

Remember:

  • “Anybody” is a third-person singular pronoun. 
  • “Does” is the singular form of the verb “do.”
  • Therefore, the correct verb to follow the pronoun “anybody” is “does.”
  • This makes “does anybody” the correct usage

So, when you want to ask a question in the present tense about someone or something, you can use “does anybody.” 

For example:

“Does anybody know the answer to this question?” 

“Does anybody have any questions?”

examples of using ‘Does Anybody’ in a sentence:

Does anybody have a pen I can borrow?

Does anybody know the answer to this question?

Does anybody have any questions before we begin?

Does anybody want to come with me to the store?

Does anybody have any suggestions for where to eat?

Does anybody need help with their homework?

Does anybody have any experience with this software?

Does anybody know how to fix a leaky faucet?

Does anybody have any recommendations for a good book?

Does anybody want to join me for a cup of coffee?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ‘does anyone have’ or ‘do anyone have’ when asking about possession?

‘Does anyone have’ is the correct choice here. For example, “Does anyone have a pen I can borrow?” This is because ‘anyone’ is a third person singular form and takes ‘-s’ in the present simple tense.

How do I correctly ask if someone needs something using ‘anyone’?

To correctly ask if someone needs something using ‘anyone,’ you can use the phrase “Does anyone need…?” followed by the item or action in question. For example, “Does anyone need help with their homework?” or “Does anyone need a ride to the airport?”

Should I use ‘wants’ or ‘want’ after ‘does anyone’ in a question?

Since ‘anyone’ is a singular pronoun you should use ‘want’ without ‘-s’ when using ‘does anyone’ in a question. For example, “Does anyone want to go to the movies tonight?

About the author

 Chris Edwards is an English Language Coach with over 10 years of experience in teaching and mentoring students in English grammar and the correct usage of English words. He has a degree in English Literature and Linguistics, and has a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)