1. What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to a specific person, thing, or amount. They are often used to express an unspecified quantity or generalization.

Common Indefinite Pronouns:

• Singular: each, everyone, someone, anybody, nobody, everything, something
• Plural: both, few, many, several
• Singular or Plural: all, some, any, none, most (depending on the context)

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2. Rules of Indefinite Pronoun-Verb Agreement

a. Singular Indefinite Pronouns

• Indefinite pronouns that are always singular take a singular verb.
• Examples:
  • Everyone is invited to the party.
  • Each of the players has a uniform.

b. Plural Indefinite Pronouns

• Indefinite pronouns that are always plural take a plural verb.
• Examples:
  • Both are attending the conference.
  • Few have completed their assignments.

c. Indefinite Pronouns that Can Be Singular or Plural

• Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the context and what they refer to. When determining the verb form, consider the noun the pronoun refers to.
• Examples:
  • All of the cake was eaten. (Refers to a singular cake)
  • All of the cookies were eaten. (Refers to plural cookies)
  • Some of the water has spilled. (Refers to singular water)
  • Some of the apples have gone bad. (Refers to plural apples)

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3. Common Errors in Indefinite Pronoun-Verb Agreement

a. Misidentifying Singular vs. Plural

• Mistakes often occur when the indefinite pronoun is confused with its referent.
• Incorrect: Everyone have a good time at the event.
  • (Correct: Everyone has a good time at the event.)

b. Forgetting to Consider Context

• When using pronouns that can be both singular and plural, failing to check the context can lead to errors.
• Incorrect: Some of the team is on vacation.
  • (Correct: Some of the teams are on vacation.)

c. Ignoring Proximity

• When a subject is joined by “and,” it may be plural, but when indefinite pronouns are involved, proximity to the verb can confuse agreement.
• Incorrect: Neither of the solutions were effective.
  • (Correct: Neither of the solutions was effective.)

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4. How to Identify and Correct Errors

Step 1: Identify the Indefinite Pronoun

• Locate the indefinite pronoun in the sentence.

Step 2: Determine if the Indefinite Pronoun is Singular or Plural

• Decide whether the pronoun is always singular, always plural, or can vary.

Step 3: Check Verb Form

• Make sure the verb matches the number of the indefinite pronoun. Use singular verbs for singular indefinite pronouns and plural verbs for plural indefinite pronouns.

Step 4: Adjust Based on Context

• If the indefinite pronoun can be either singular or plural, refer back to the noun it modifies to confirm agreement.

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5. Practice Examples

• Incorrect: Many of the book is on the shelf.
• (Correct: Many of the books are on the shelf.)
• Incorrect: Everyone have their own opinion.
• (Correct: Everyone has their own opinion.)
• Incorrect: Several of the cake were left out overnight.
• (Correct: Several of the pieces of cake were left out overnight.)