Grammar Unit II: Lesson 5 Using Indefinite Pronouns Correctly

Each thinks about the story. Definition Indefinite pronoun: a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Each thinks about the story.

Indefinite pronouns can be either SINGULAR or PLURAL. Usage Indefinite pronouns can be either SINGULAR or PLURAL. Why is this important? If you use an indefinite pronoun as a subject, then your verb must AGREE with it.

Subject/verb agreement Each thinks about the story. Singular verb Singular indefinite pronoun SO, how can we determine which indefinite pronouns are SINGULAR and WHICH are plural? Unfortunately for most, you can’t. You have to memorize them.  So here they are. . .

SINGULAR INDEFINITE PRONOUNS S A N E O N O V M Y E E R Y BODY ONE THING Somebody Anybody Nobody everybody Someone Anyone No one everyone Something Anything Nothing Everything One Neither Each Another Much Either

Plural INDEFINITE PRONOUNS Both Few Many Others Several Create your own mnemonic device to help you remember these five plural indefinite pronouns.

INDEFINITE PRONOUNS that can be Either Singular or plural None All Some Any Most All of the students do their homework. (plural) All of the class does his or her homework. (singular) How do we determine if these indefinite pronouns are singular or plural? Use the two examples above to help you.

Guided Practice Identify each indefinite pronoun as S or P. Then select the appropriate verb. 1. Each (think, thinks) about the plot. S 2. Many of the students (do, does) their homework. p 3. Most of the students (is, are) reliable. P 4. Several (is, are) presenting their speeches. P

Pronoun/pronoun agreement Each of the students has his or her ideas about homework. Singular indefinite pronoun Singular singular pronouns

Guided Practice Identify each indefinite pronoun as S or P. Then select the appropriate pronoun. 1. Everyone studies (his or her, their) book. S 2. Each has (their, his or her) point of view. s 3. Several offer (his or her, their) advice. P 4. All of the students give (his or her, their) opinions, too. P