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5. Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects
Some pronouns are always singular, always plural, or depending on
context.
Singular or Plural
Always Singular Always Plural
(Contextual)
Everyone. Anyone. Somebody. Both. Several. All. Some.
Someone. Each. Nobody Few. Many. None. Most.
Example:
a. Everyone loves good music.
The word “everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that is always singular, even though
it refers to many people. Therefore, it must take a singular verb — loves (with “-
s”).
b. Few know the answer.
The word “few” is an indefinite pronoun that is always plural. It refers to “a small
number of people,” so it takes a plural verb — know (without “-s”).
C. Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
1. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (team, family, class, group) take singular verbs when viewed
as one unit, but plural verbs when emphasizing individuals.
Example:
a. The team wins every match. (as a unit).
The noun “team” is a collective noun. It represents a group of people acting as
one unit. When the group acts as a single entity, it takes a singular verb — wins.
b. The team are arguing among themselves. (individuals)
In this sentence, the members of the team are acting as individuals, not as one
unit. Therefore, the collective noun “team” takes a plural verb — are arguing.
2. Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Phrases that come between the subject and verb do not affect agreement.
a. The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.
b. The list of participants has been updated.
3. “There is” and “There are” Follow the Subject
In sentences starting with “there is” or “there are,” the verb agrees with the
subject that follows it.
a. There is a book on the table. b. There are several books on the table.
4. Amount and Quantities
➢ With “a” number of and “are” use a plural verb.
➢ With “the” number of and “is” use a singular verb.
➢ Amounts, fractions, percentages, or units of measurement often take a singular
verb when considered a single entity, but can take a plural verb when referring to
individual items.

Plural Verb Singular Verb
A number of students are absent. The number of students is increasing.

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