Rules in Subject Verb Agreement Indefinite Pronouns
Subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of writing that should never be overlooked. It involves making sure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree with each other in terms of number, tense, and person. One area where writers often make mistakes in subject-verb agreement is when they use indefinite pronouns. In this article, we will discuss the rules in subject-verb agreement for indefinite pronouns.
First, let us define what indefinite pronouns are. An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person or thing. Some examples of indefinite pronouns include anyone, everyone, nobody, somebody, nothing, everything, each, few, some, many, and several.
When using indefinite pronouns in a sentence, it is crucial to choose the correct verb conjugation. The following are the rules to follow:
1. Singular indefinite pronouns should always be paired with a singular verb. For example,
– Everyone knows the answer. (Correct)
– Everyone know the answer. (Incorrect)
2. Plural indefinite pronouns should always be used with a plural verb. For example,
– Some of the students were absent. (Correct)
– Some of the students was absent. (Incorrect)
3. When using indefinite pronouns that can be either singular or plural, the verb should agree with the noun closest to it. For example,
– Neither of the books is interesting. (Correct)
– Neither of the books are interesting. (Incorrect)
4. When using indefinite pronouns with the word “each,” the verb should be singular. For example,
– Each of the students has a different assignment. (Correct)
– Each of the students have a different assignment. (Incorrect)
5. When using indefinite pronouns with the word “every,” the verb should also be singular. For example,
– Every student needs to pass the exam. (Correct)
– Every student need to pass the exam. (Incorrect)
6. When using indefinite pronouns with the words “many,” “several,” or “both,” the verb should be plural. For example,
– Many of the students are studying for the exam. (Correct)
– Many of the students is studying for the exam. (Incorrect)
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is critical when writing, and writers must pay attention to the use of indefinite pronouns. If you are unsure of which verb to use, always remember the rules discussed above. By following these rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and effective. Happy writing!