Subject/Verb Agreement Using Indefinite Pronouns

Subjects must agree with their verbs in number (singular or plural). Singular subjects must have singular verbs. Plural subject must have plural verbs.

Singular Indefinite Pronouns Must have a singular verb Everyone in the room is working toward a definite goal. Each of the visitors (was, were) taken on a tour of the campus. Neither of the contestants (was, were) well prepared.

Plural Indefinite Pronouns Must have a plural verb Many of the flowers are in full bloom. Several of the workers are receiving safety awards.

Singular/Plural Indefinite Pronouns Must look at the context of the sentence Some of the harvest was completed by November. Some of the crops were frozen. All of the land was cultivated. All of the seeds (was, were) cultivated.