7. Indefinite pronouns are often subjects. Because these pronouns do not refer to anyone or
anything specific, knowing whether they are singular or plural is sometimes confusing.
Don't guess. Decide by the following lists:
a. Singular Indefinite Pronouns need singular verbs (with –s).
another each everyone no one someone
any each one everything nobody something
anybody either little nothing such
anyone every much other
anything everybody neither somebody
Examples: Everyone (is, are) coming to the party.
Each of my friends (give, gives) me a birthday gift every year.
b. Plural Indefinite Pronouns need plural verbs (without –s).
both few many others several
Examples: Several from California (has, have) come to the meeting.
Both of my sisters (drive, drives) red cars.
c. Some Indefinite Pronouns can be singular or plural. First, decide whether the
sentence is about one or several things. Then, you will know whether to use a
verb with or without an –s.
all more most none some
Examples: All of the chocolate cake (was, were) eaten at lunch.
This sentence is about one cake; all of one is singular.
All of the chocolate cakes (was, were) eaten at lunch.
This sentence is about more than one cake; all of more than
one is plural.
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Date last modified: January 24, 2014.
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