Indefinite pronouns like 'everyone', 'someone', and 'none' can be confusing when choosing singular or plural verbs. This guide walks you through the rules with clear explanations and examples.
Subject–verb agreement is challenging enough, but it becomes even trickier when indefinite pronouns enter the picture. Words like everyone, somebody, or none may look plural or feel plural in meaning, but they actually follow very consistent grammar rules. The key is understanding what each pronoun refers to and whether it behaves as a singular or plural subject.
Mastering this area of grammar will help you write clearer sentences, avoid common mistakes, and communicate more naturally. Let’s break down the rules step by step so you can confidently use indefinite pronouns in any situation.
Many indefinite pronouns refer to “one person” or “one thing” in a general way. Even though they talk about groups, they grammatically behave as singular subjects. These pronouns require a singular verb.
Singular indefinite pronouns include:
If you can imagine the subject referring to “one unidentified person” or “one unidentified thing,” it’s almost always singular.
| Pronoun | Correct Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | singular | Everyone is ready. |
| Someone | singular | Someone needs to call the doctor. |
| Nothing | singular | Nothing works as expected. |
One common mistake occurs when learners use “they” later in the sentence. For example: “Everyone is bringing their own lunch.” This is correct — *they* is allowed as a gender-neutral pronoun even though *everyone* is grammatically singular.
Some indefinite pronouns are naturally plural because they refer to more than one thing or person. These always take a plural verb.
Plural indefinite pronouns include:
These pronouns act exactly like plural nouns in sentences, so they follow the same subject–verb agreement rules.
| Pronoun | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Few | plural | Few are interested in the topic. |
| Several | plural | Several have completed the task. |
| Both | plural | Both want a second chance. |
The trick is simple: if the pronoun inherently indicates “more than one,” the verb must be plural.
A special group of indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to. These include words related to quantity:
The rule is: look at the noun that follows. If it’s uncountable, use a singular verb. If it’s countable and plural, use a plural verb.
| Pronoun | Noun Type | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | uncountable | singular | All the water is clean. |
| All | plural countable | plural | All the students are ready. |
| None | plural | plural | None of the cookies are left. |
This category often causes confusion because learners assume words like “none” must always be singular. In modern English, both options are acceptable depending on the noun.
Remember: The verb agrees with the indefinite pronoun — not with the meaning you feel the sentence has.
Answers: is / are / is / are
⭐ Pro Tip: When unsure, say the sentence aloud — singular verbs “sound” singular, and your ear will often catch mistakes.
Indefinite pronouns follow clear rules once you learn how to categorize them as singular, plural, or variable. By paying attention to the type of pronoun and the nouns that follow, you can consistently choose the correct verb form. With regular practice and awareness, subject–verb agreement becomes automatic — even with the trickiest pronouns.