Grammar Unit II: Lesson 5

Using Indefinite Pronouns Correctly

Definition

Indefinite pronoun: a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing.

Each thinks about the story.

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 agreementEach thinks about the story.

Singular indefinite pronoun

Singular verb

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. . .

S A N E

O N O V

M Y E

E R

Y

BODY

S A N E

O N O V

M Y E

E R

Y

ONE

S A N E

O N O V

M Y E

E R

Y

THING

SomebodySomebody

AnybodyAnybody

NobodyNobody

everybodyeverybody

SomeoneSomeone

AnyoneAnyone

No oneNo one

everyoneeveryone

SomethingSomething

AnythingAnything

NothingNothing

EverythingEverything

SINGULAR INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

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 Either Singular or plural

NNone

AAll

SSome

AAny

MMost

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 PracticeIdentify 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/pronounagreement

Each of the students has his or her ideas about homework.

Singular indefinite pronoun

Singular singular pronouns

Guided PracticeIdentify 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