1. Grammar Unit II: Lesson 5
Using Indefinite Pronouns
Correctly

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. . .

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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

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

10. 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