Identify and correct errors with indefinite pronoun-verb agreement
Key Notes :
📝 Indefinite Pronoun – Verb Agreement
Indefinite pronouns refer to unspecified persons or things. They can be singular, plural, or sometimes both, and the verb must agree with the pronoun. ⚖️✨
1️⃣ Common Singular Indefinite Pronouns ✅
These always take singular verbs:
each, either, neither, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, no one, nobody
Example:
- ❌ Everyone are happy.
- ✅ Everyone is happy. 😄
Tip: If it ends with -one or -body, it’s usually singular! 🕵️♂️
2️⃣ Common Plural Indefinite Pronouns ✅
These always take plural verbs:
both, few, many, several
Example:
- ❌ Few of the students is ready.
- ✅ Few of the students are ready. 👩🎓👨🎓
3️⃣ Indefinite Pronouns That Can Be Singular or Plural 🤔
all, any, more, most, none, some
Rule: Check the object of the preposition or the meaning in the sentence.
Example:
- Singular: Some of the cake is left. 🎂
- Plural: Some of the cookies are gone. 🍪
4️⃣ Tips to Correct Errors ✨
- Look at the pronoun carefully 👀 – is it singular or plural?
- Check the noun after ‘of’ for clues.
- Match the verb to the pronoun, not the noun nearby.
- Re-read your sentence to make sure it sounds right. 🗣️
5️⃣ Quick Reference Table 📊
| Pronoun | Verb Form |
|---|---|
| everyone | singular |
| nobody | singular |
| each | singular |
| both | plural |
| few | plural |
| all / some / most / any / none | singular or plural (depends on context) |
6️⃣ Fun Example Practice 😎
- ❌ Everyone have finished the homework.
- ✅ Everyone has finished the homework. 🏆
- ❌ Some of the water are spilled.
- ✅ Some of the water is spilled. 💧
- ❌ All of the students is in the hall.
- ✅ All of the students are in the hall. 🏫
🎨 Remember: Indefinite pronouns are tricky, but if you spot the pronoun, think singular or plural, and match the verb, you’re golden! ✨✅
let’s practice!🖊️
