Curious Cases of INDEFINITE PRONOUNS_PART 1
Today, I read some of the grammar rules on the usage of indefinite pronouns. Below are some of the rules along with relevant examples. Before beginning with the rules, it should be understood that a singular subject needs a singular verb; a plural subject needs a plural verb. So, the determination of the subject(singular/plural) is primary.
1. Indefinite pronouns like anyone,everyone,someone, no one, nobody are always singular and, thus, require singular verbs.
e.g. Everyone has turned on the laptop.
Someone has left his wallet.
Exception 1: Pronouns like all,some- are singular or plural depending on what they are referring to; whether it is countable or uncountable.
e.g. Some of the wickets are missing. Some of the water is gone.
Here, wickets are countable(plural verb) and water is uncountable(singular verb).
Exception 2: The pronoun 'none' has a peculiar characteristic. It doesn't matter whether you use a singular or plural verb with 'none' unless something else in the sentence determines its number.
e.g. None of you claim responsibility for this incident.
None of you claims responsibility for this incident.
None of the students have done their homework. Here 'their' determines the use of plural verb 'have'.
2. Indefinite pronoun 'each' is often followed by a prepositional phrase ending with a plural word(each of the cars). Each is always singular and requires a singular verb.
e.g. Each of the cars has a nitrous oxide engine. Here 'each' is the subject, not 'cars'. So, avoid being confused by the plural word 'cars' .
Cheers y gracias!
