Indefinite Pronouns Subject Verb Agreement Exercises: A Comprehensive Guide
As a copy editor, understanding the intricacies of grammar rules is essential. One essential aspect of grammar is the subject-verb agreement – the rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. This is true for all types of sentences, including those that include indefinite pronouns.
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to a particular person or thing. Examples of indefinite pronouns include ‘someone,’ ‘everyone,’ ‘none,’ ‘anything,’ and ‘everyone’. The key to achieving proper subject-verb agreement with these pronouns is to understand whether they are singular or plural.
In this guide, we will go through some essential exercises that will help you achieve proper subject-verb agreement when using indefinite pronouns.
Exercise 1: Singular Indefinite Pronouns
The first exercise is designed to help you understand how singular indefinite pronouns should be used in sentences to achieve proper subject-verb agreement.
Example 1: Everyone (is/are) here.
The correct answer is ‘is’. This is because the indefinite pronoun ‘everyone’ is singular, so the verb that follows it must also be singular.
Example 2: Somebody (was/were) at the door.
The correct answer is ‘was’. This is because ‘somebody’ is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it should be followed by a singular verb.
Exercise 2: Plural Indefinite Pronouns
The second exercise is designed to help you understand how plural indefinite pronouns should be used in sentences to achieve proper subject-verb agreement.
Example 1: Both of the dogs (is/are) barking loudly.
The correct answer is ‘are’. This is because ‘both’ is a plural indefinite pronoun, so the verb that follows it must also be plural.
Example 2: Many of the people (was/were) excited to see the concert.
The correct answer is ‘were’. This is because ‘many’ is a plural indefinite pronoun.
Exercise 3: Using ‘None’
The third exercise is designed to help you understand how to use the indefinite pronoun ‘none’ in sentences to achieve proper subject-verb agreement.
Example 1: None of the students (is/are) late for class.
The correct answer is ‘is’. This is because ‘none’ can be singular or plural, but it is typically treated as a singular indefinite pronoun.
Example 2: None of the books (is/are) in the library.
The correct answer is ‘are’. This is because ‘books’ is a plural noun, so the verb that follows it must also be plural.
In conclusion, achieving proper subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns is essential to ensure the clarity and accuracy of your writing. By practicing these exercises, you can improve your grammar skills and become a more effective writer.