Download Singular Indefinite Pronouns

Subject-Verb Agreement
When you use a verb, you must conjugate the verb in the correct form so that it agrees with the
subject of the sentence. The subject is the thing that does the action. Generally, this means
determining if the subject doing the action is Singular or Plural and then determining the
correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject.
To Run
Singular: He/she runs
Singular (I): I run
Plural: They run
To Be
Singular: He/she is
Singular (I): I am
Plural: They are
Determining the “Count”
When determining whether a subject is singular or plural, you must first determine whether the
object can be counted. Some things CAN and some items CANNOT.
Noncount items are always SINGULAR.

Noncount items would be include “rudeness” (which is always singular) because you
cannot have multiple “rudes.”
Countable items that contain more than one item OR are linked with the conjunction AND
creates a plural subject that needs a verb conjugated in the plural.

Example: The dogs and the cat are very friendly with one another.
Be careful however, as there are exceptions to this rule as well as normal singular/plural
conventions that we use in everyday speech. DO NOT use your ear when trying to determine
whether the subject is Singular/Plural as your ear can often mislead you. Instead, use the
following rules to help guide your decision.
1. Prepositional Phrase Rule
A subject will NEVER be located in a prepositional phrase (a phrase beginning with a
preposition). If you see a prepositional phrase, IGNORE IT when determining which form of
the verb to use.
Example: The Scottish Fold cat, along with the Maltese Puppies, runs along the sidewalk.
*Prepositions are words that indicate location or the relationship between objects. Typically,
anything that an airplane could do to a cloud is a preposition. (along, in addition to, beside,
over, under, between, across, with, through, without, etc.)
Subject-Verb Agreement
2. Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Certain words are always singular. These subjects must use the singular form of a verb despite
the fact that the plural may sound better. Again, if these are the subject the verb must ALWAYS
be singular (even if there is more than one subject!)
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
each, either, neither
anybody, anyone, anything
every, everybody, everyone, everything
nobody, no one, nothing
somebody, someone, something
Example: Everyone in the park is anticipating the snail race later on.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions like neither… nor, either… or, not only… but contain TWO subjects
because there are two parts to the sentence. When using a correlative conjunction, use the
CLOSER of the two antecedents

Example: Neither the dogs nor the cat is eating its meal.
4. Collective Nouns
Collective Nouns are groups of things composed of members. Depending on how the members
are acting, these can either be Singular or Plural.


When working TOGETHER and IN UNISON, a collective noun is SINGULAR
When the members are working INDEPENDENTLY, the collective noun is PLURAL
5. Quantity Rule
Quantities representing a total amount (including money) are always SINGULAR.
Example: Fifteen gallons of milk is all I want from the store. Fifty dollars is all I will pay for
that amount of milk.