Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns (Everyone, Somebody, etc.) Explained

Many English learners face challenges when using indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, each, or none, especially when choosing the correct verb form. Although these pronouns refer to non-specific people or things, they still follow specific grammar rules that govern subject-verb agreement.

In this guide, you will learn how to correctly match verbs with indefinite pronouns. We’ll explore which ones are always singular, which are always plural, and which change depending on context. You’ll also learn how to avoid common grammar mistakes that appear frequently in both speech and writing.

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns refer to persons or things that are not specifically named. They include words like everybody, nobody, anyone, few, some, and all. Because they do not refer to a particular person or object, they are called “indefinite.” The challenge, however, is that some of them act as singular subjects, while others are always plural; or even shift between the two depending on what they refer to.

For instance, when you say, “Everyone is welcome,” the pronoun everyone doesn’t point to any specific individual, yet it behaves as a singular noun in grammar. On the other hand, when you say, “Many have failed,” the pronoun many clearly refers to a group and thus takes a plural verb.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

When it comes to indefinite pronouns, subject-verb agreement depends entirely on the nature of the pronoun. Some pronouns are always singular, some are always plural, and a few can be either singular or plural, depending on context.

Indefinite Pronouns That Always Take Singular Verbs

Pronouns like everyone, someone, anyone, nobody, each, either, and neither refer to individuals, even though they may imply more than one person. In grammar, these pronouns are considered singular, and so they always require singular verbs.

Take these examples:

• “Everyone knows the answer” is correct, not “Everyone know the answer.”
• “Each of the students has submitted an essay” treats each as a single unit.
• “Either option works” shows that either is singular because it refers to one of two items.

Even if the pronoun feels like it describes a group, the grammar rule is clear: the verb must be singular.

Indefinite Pronouns That Always Take Plural Verbs

Some indefinite pronouns clearly describe more than one person or thing and always require plural verbs. Examples include both, few, many, and several.

For example:

• “Both are ready for the game” uses a plural verb because both implies two people.
• “Few understand the rules” is correct, as few is plural.
• “Many have tried and failed” is another example of a plural pronoun taking a plural verb.

You can’t say “Many has tried,” because the verb must match the plural nature of the subject.

Indefinite Pronouns That Can Be Singular or Plural Based on Context

A small group of indefinite pronouns (all, some, none, any, and most) can take either singular or plural verbs. The decision depends on whether the noun that follows is countable or uncountable.

Consider the following:

• “All of the bread is stale” treats bread as uncountable, so the verb is singular.
• “All of the loaves are stale” treats loaves as countable, so the verb is plural.
• “Some of the money is missing” is correct because money is uncountable.
• “Some of the people are missing” is also correct because people is countable and plural.

This flexibility means you must always pay attention to the noun that follows the pronoun in your sentence.

Common Errors to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is using a plural verb with a singular indefinite pronoun. For example, a sentence like “Everyone know the rules” is incorrect. The correct version is “Everyone knows the rules.”

Another frequent error occurs when the noun following a flexible pronoun is ignored. In the sentence “Some of the information are false,” the noun information is uncountable, so the verb should be singular: “Some of the information is false.”

A third mistake involves casual or spoken English slipping into formal writing. People may say “Everybody have their phones,” but in proper grammar, the correct sentence is “Everybody has their phone.” While plural verbs may sound natural in informal speech, they are incorrect in formal or academic contexts.

Quick Grammar Snapshot

• Use singular verbs with indefinite pronouns like everybody, somebody, anyone, each, and neither.
• Use plural verbs with pronouns like both, many, few, and several.
• Decide between singular and plural verbs for pronouns like some, none, any, and all based on the noun that follows.

Practice Sentences

Let’s see if you can apply what you’ve learned. Try choosing the correct verb in these sentences:

1. Everybody (is / are) expected to attend the workshop.
2. Neither of the answers (seems / seem) correct.
3. Both of the students (has / have) submitted their work.
4. Some of the milk (is / are) on the table.
5. None of the candidates (has / have) been selected.
6. Some of the students (has/have) finished.

Review your answers carefully by considering whether the pronoun is singular, plural, or context-dependent.

Wrapping Up

Indefinite pronouns might seem confusing at first, but once you understand which ones are singular, plural, or flexible, the grammar becomes clear. The key is to always match your verb to the actual nature of the pronoun or, in some cases, to the noun that follows it. With regular practice, you’ll start spotting and correcting these errors effortlessly.