Indefinite Pronoun Rules: A Guide
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people, places, or things. Mastering their usage can be tricky, but here's a breakdown of the main rules:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement:
* Singular Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns that are singular in nature take singular verbs.
* Example: *Everyone* is going to the party. (*Everyone* is singular.)
* Plural Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns that are plural in nature take plural verbs.
* Example: *Many* are attending the conference. (*Many* is plural.)
* Pronouns with Potential for Either: Some pronouns can be singular or plural depending on context.
* Example: *Some* are happy, but *some* is upset.
2. Pronoun Case (Nominative/Objective/Possessive):
* Nominative Case: Used when the pronoun is the subject of a verb.
* Example: *Everyone* wants to go. (*Everyone* is the subject.)
* Objective Case: Used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition.
* Example: We asked *everyone* to come. (*Everyone* is the object of the verb "asked".)
* Possessive Case: Used to show ownership.
* Example: *Someone's* car was parked in the wrong spot. (*Someone's* shows ownership.)
3. Agreement with Antecedent:
* Singular Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns that are singular require a singular antecedent (the noun or pronoun the pronoun refers to).
* Example: *Everyone* brought their own lunch. (Incorrect)
* Example: *Everyone* brought *his* or *her* own lunch. (Correct)
* Plural Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns that are plural require a plural antecedent.
* Example: *Many* brought their lunches. (Correct)
4. Common Indefinite Pronoun List:
* Singular: *anyone, anybody, anything, each, either, everyone, everybody, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, someone, somebody, something*
* Plural: *both, few, many, several*
* Singular or Plural: *all, any, most, none, some*
5. Special Cases:
* "None" can be singular or plural. It's often treated as singular, but can be plural if the context emphasizes the absence of multiple things.
* Example: *None* of the cake is left. (Singular)
* Example: *None* of the students were present. (Plural)
* "One" can be followed by singular or plural pronouns.
* Example: *One* must choose his or her path carefully. (Singular)
* Example: *One* must consider their options carefully. (Plural - less formal)
Remember: Always consider the context and sentence structure to determine the appropriate use of indefinite pronouns.