Learning Goal I will be able to recognize and correct errors in subject verb agreement
Indefinite Pronouns There are 3 groups of indefinite pronouns. You need know which ones are singular and which ones are plural
INDEFINITE PRONOUNS A pronoun that does not refer to a definite person, place, thing, or idea is called an INDEFINITE PRONOUN
Group 1 are ALWAYS SINGULAR Anybody Anyone Anything Each Either Everybody Everyone Everything Neither Nobody No one Nothing One Somebody Someone Something
For Example Someone in the game was hurt. (not were hurt) Neither of the men is working. (not are)
Examples Each of the newcomers was welcomed to the city. Neither of these papayas is ripe. Does anybody on the bus speak Arabic?
Let’s Practice Group 1 ALWAYS Singular Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject.
Neither of the movies (was/were) especially funny.
Neither of the movies (was/were) especially funny.
Everybody in those classes (gets/get) to leave early.
Everybody in those classes (gets/get) to leave early.
Someone among the store owners (donates/donate) the big trophy each year.
Someone among the store owners (donates/donate) the big trophy each year.
Each of the Jackson brothers (studies, study) dance.
Each of the Jackson brothers (studies, study) dance.
No one on either team (was/were) ever in a playoff before.
No one on either team (was/were) ever in a playoff before.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns Always take a plural verb Both Few Many Several
Example Both of the dogs are running through the yard. (not is running) Many were going to the football game on Friday. (not was going)
Example Few of our neighbors have parakeets. Many of them keep dogs as pets.
Group 3 It depends! All Most Any None More Some
Special Indefinite Pronouns These can be either singular or plural. ALL-ANY-MORE-MOST-NONE-SOME Check the object of the preposition that comes after the subject.
Example Most of the essays were graded. Most of this essay was graded.
Examples All of the fruit is ripe. All of the pears are ripe. All is singular because fruit is singular All of the pears are ripe. All is plural because pears is plural
Let’s Practice Group 3 Indefinite Pronouns Identify the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject. Remember to check the OP after the subject
PRACTICE TIME Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject.
Some of the harvest (has/have) been sold.
Some of the harvest (has/have) been sold.
All of the new research on dreams (is/are) fascinating.
All of the new research on dreams (is/are) fascinating.
Most of our dreams (occurs/occur) toward morning.
Most of our dreams (occurs/occur) toward morning.
Most of the research (focuses/focus) on the cycle known has rapid eye movement.
Most of the research (focuses/focus) on the cycle known has rapid eye movement.
None of last night’s dreams (is/are) clear to me.
None of last night’s dreams (is/are) clear to me.
Review Indefinite Rules Singular Indefinite PN take singular verbs Plural Indefinite PN take plural verbs Special Indefinite PN: all, any, more, most, none, some can be either singular or plural depending on their meaning in the sentence. Use the object of the preposition to decide if it should be singular or plural
PRACTICE TIME All the Indefinite Pronouns, plus the other agreement rules we have learned. Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject
Many of the people throughout the world (claims/claim) to have seen objects like this.
Many of the people throughout the world (claims/claim) to have seen objects like this.
However, no one (knows/know) for sure what they are.
However, no one (knows/know) for sure what they are.
Some of them (resembles/resemble) huge plates or saucers.
Some of them (resembles/resemble) huge plates or saucers.
Not surprisingly, many (calls/call) them flying saucers.
Not surprisingly, many (calls/call) them flying saucers.
Since 1947, all of these objects (has/have) been officially called unidentified flying objects, or UFOs.
Since 1947, all of these objects (has/have) been officially called unidentified flying objects, or UFOs.
Many (has/have) investigated many unusual UFO sightings.
Many (has/have) investigated many unusual UFO sightings.
The U.S. Air force (was/were) responsible for conducting investigations for the government.
The U.S. Air force (was/were) responsible for conducting investigations for the government.
Government records (shows/show) that more than twelve thousand sightings were reported between 1948 and 1969.
Government records (shows/show) that more than twelve thousand sightings were reported between 1948 and 1969.
Most of the reported sightings (has/have) turned out to be fakes but others remain unexplained.
Most of the reported sightings (has/have) turned out to be fakes but others remain unexplained.
None of the official reports positively (proves/prove) that UFOs come from outer space.
None of the official reports positively (proves/prove) that UFOs come from outer space.
STOP Let’s Practice the Indefinite Pronouns Rule Complete WS 6a & 6b