Identify and correct errors with indefinite pronoun-verb agreement
Key Notes
The subject and the verb in a sentence or clause must agree in number.
Use a singular verb for most indefinite pronouns, including each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, everything, anyone, anybody, anything, someone, somebody, something, no one, nobody and nothing.
Everyone generally leaves the office around six o’clock.
Nothing in this kitchen works properly!
Use a plural verb for the indefinite pronouns both, few, many, others and several.
I have tried many red velvet cupcakes, but few taste as delicious as Kathy’s.
These plums are almost ripe; in fact, several look ready to eat now.
Some indefinite pronouns, like all, any, most, none and some, can go with singular or plural verbs, depending on what the pronouns refer to.
| I own several jackets, but none fit quite right. |
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| The pronoun refers to the plural noun jackets, so the verb is plural. |
| Donna generally bakes bread on Monday, but by Thursday or Friday, almost none is left. |
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| The pronoun refers to the singular noun water, so the verb is singular. |
Learn with an example
1. ) Find the error with subject-verb agreement. Select the incorrect verb and type it correctly.
- If nobody in the audience laugh at my jokes tonight, my career may well be over,’ Leon thought nervously as he took the stage
‘If nobody in the audience laughs at my jokes tonight, my career may well be over,’ Leon thought nervously as he took the stage.
2. ) Find the error with subject-verb agreement. Select the incorrect verb and type it correctly.
- Something in the kitchen are burning!’ Mr Phillips shouted. Grab the fire extinguisher!’
‘Something in the kitchen is burning!’ Mr Phillips shouted. ‘Grab the fire extinguisher!’
3. ) Find the error with subject-verb agreement. Select the incorrect verb and type it correctly.
- When someone in Hong Kong offer you a business card, the polite way to accept it is to take it with both hands and look at it closely before putting it away.
When someone in Hong Kong offers you a business card, the polite way to accept it is to take it with both hands and look at it closely before putting it away.
let’s practice!🖊️
