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I once had a student write, “Everybody are welcome to the party.” When I asked why she used “are,” she said, “Because there are lots of people!” But that’s exactly where indefinite pronouns trip us up — our brain wants “everybody” to mean “multiple people,” but in grammar, it’s singular and takes a singular verb.
Indefinite pronouns are crucial for fluent English, but they’re also one of the trickiest categories. They refer to people, things, or quantities without being specific about which ones. Some are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either depending on context. I’ll break down all the types with a complete paradigm table, show you how verb agreement works, and highlight the mistakes even advanced learners make.
Key Takeaways
- Three categories: singular (-body/-one/-thing, everyone, nobody, nothing), plural (both, few, many, others, several), and variable (all, any, more, most, none, some).
- Singular agreement rule: Everyone, somebody, anybody, nobody, nothing, each, either are ALWAYS singular — take singular verbs (“Everyone is invited”).
- Plural always: Both, few, many, others, several are ALWAYS plural — take plural verbs (“Few are willing”).
- Variable pronouns (all, any, most, none, some): Can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to (“Some of the pizza is cold” vs. “Some of the students are absent”).
- Gender-neutral pronouns: Use “their” instead of “his or her” when the gender is unknown — modern grammar accepts singular they (“Everyone brought their book”).
What Are Indefinite Pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns are words that replace nouns when you want to refer to someone or something in a general, non-specific way. You use them when you don’t know WHO or WHAT you’re referring to, or when the identity isn’t important.
Example 1: “Someone called while you were out.” (I don’t know who.)
Example 2: “Is there anything you need?” (Any thing at all.)
Example 3: “Everyone is invited to the wedding.” (All people in a group.)
Example 4: “Nothing can stop us now.” (No single thing.)
Example 5: “Few of them attended the meeting.” (A small number, unspecified.)
The Complete Indefinite Pronoun Paradigm
Here’s a comprehensive table organizing all indefinite pronouns by type:
| Type | Pronoun | Refers to | Number | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singular (-one/-body/-thing) | Anyone / Anybody | People (any) | Singular | Singular | Anyone knows the answer. |
| Someone / Somebody | People (a specific person) | Singular | Singular | Someone is at the door. | |
| Everyone / Everybody | People (all) | Singular | Singular | Everyone is invited. | |
| No one / Nobody / Nothing | People/Things (none) | Singular | Singular | Nobody knows. Nothing was left. | |
| Singular (other) | One | A person or thing (formal) | Singular | Singular | One never knows. |
| Each | Individual items | Singular | Singular | Each has a role. | |
| Either | One of two | Singular | Singular | Either is fine. | |
| Another | One more person/thing | Singular | Singular | Another volunteered. | |
| Much (amount of uncountable noun) | Uncountable quantity | Singular | Singular | Much has been done. | |
| Always Plural | Both | Two people/things together | Plural | Plural | Both are excellent. |
| Few | Small number | Plural | Plural | Few understand the problem. | |
| Many | Large number | Plural | Plural | Many attended the conference. | |
| Others | Additional people/things | Plural | Plural | Others disagreed. | |
| Several | More than two, less than many | Plural | Plural | Several were missing. | |
| Variable (Singular or Plural) | All | Everything / Everyone | Variable | Variable | All is well. / All are here. |
| Any | Any person / thing (not specific) | Variable | Variable | Any is acceptable. / Any are fine. | |
| Most | The greater part | Variable | Variable | Most is finished. / Most are here. | |
| None | Not a single person/thing | Variable* | Variable | None is acceptable. / None are here. | |
| Some | An unspecified amount | Variable | Variable | Some is broken. / Some are broken. | |
| Quantity Words | Little / A little | Small uncountable amount | Singular | Singular | Little remains. |
| Lots / A lot | Large quantity | Variable | Variable | A lot is needed. / Lots are here. |
Singular Indefinite Pronouns: Always Take Singular Verbs
These pronouns are always singular , even when they refer to groups of people. They take singular verbs and are referenced by singular pronouns.
The -one and -body pronouns:
Example 1: Someone is knocking on the door. (Not “are knocking”)
Example 2: Everyone has their own opinion. (Singular verb, though “their” is used for gender neutrality.)
Example 3: Nobody was at the party. (Not “were”)
Example 4: Anybody can join the club. (Not “can” in plural form — it’s the same, but the subject is singular.)
Example 5: Nothing seems impossible when you try hard. (Not “seem”)
Other singular indefinite pronouns:
Example 1: Each student gets a laptop. (Not “get”)
Example 2: Either choice is acceptable. (Not “are”)
Example 3: Another volunteered to help. (Not “volunteered” — wait, that’s correct.)
Example 4: One should always tell the truth. (Formal style.)
Example 5: Much has been written about this topic. (Not “have”)
The Singular Rule: All -one, -body, and -thing pronouns (someone, everyone, anybody, nobody, anything, nothing) are singular. Each, either, one, another, and much are also singular. No exceptions.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns: Always Take Plural Verbs
These pronouns are always plural and take plural verbs.
Example 1: Both are qualified for the job. (Not “is”)
Example 2: Few understand the complexity. (Not “understands”)
Example 3: Many have applied for the position. (Not “has”)
Example 4: Several were injured in the accident. (Not “was”)
Example 5: Others disagree with this approach. (Not “disagrees”)
Variable Indefinite Pronouns: Context Determines Number
These pronouns can be either singular or plural, depending on what they refer to. You must look at the noun following “of” to determine the number:
All, Any, Most, None, Some
When these pronouns refer to a countable noun (people, items), they’re plural:
Example 1: Some of the students are absent. (countable; plural)
Example 2: All of the employees have finished their reports. (countable; plural)
Example 3: Most of the guests arrived on time. (countable; plural)
When they refer to an uncountable noun (water, milk, furniture, information), they’re singular:
Example 1: Some of the water is contaminated. (uncountable; singular)
Example 2: All of the furniture needs repair. (uncountable; singular)
Example 3: Most of the work is complete. (uncountable; singular)
Test for variable pronouns: Can you count the noun? Apples — yes (plural verb). Water — no (singular verb). This rule works for all, any, most, none, and some.
The Pronoun “None”: A Special Case
“None” technically means “not one” and is traditionally considered singular. However, modern usage accepts both singular and plural, depending on context and emphasis.
Singular (traditional): None of the cake was left. (Emphasis: not even one piece.)
Plural (modern, also acceptable): None of the students were prepared. (Emphasis: not a single one of them.)
Both are correct in modern English. The singular form is slightly more formal, while the plural is increasingly common in conversation.
Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
The main challenge with indefinite pronouns is ensuring the verb and any pronouns (like “their”) agree in number:
✗ Incorrect: Everyone are excited about the trip.
✓ Correct: Everyone is excited about the trip. (singular)
✗ Incorrect: Few has attended the workshop.
✓ Correct: Few have attended the workshop. (plural)
✗ Incorrect: All of the bread were moldy.
✓ Correct: All of the bread was moldy. (bread is uncountable; singular)
✗ Incorrect: Some of the apples is rotten.
✓ Correct: Some of the apples are rotten. (apples are countable; plural)
Indefinite Pronouns and Possessive Agreement
When an indefinite pronoun is the subject, possessive pronouns must also agree:
Example 1: Someone left their jacket here. (Not “his” — gender unknown; use “their.”)
Example 2: Everyone brought their own lunch. (Not “his or her,” though “their” is now standard.)
Example 3: Each student submitted their essay. (Modern standard; older usage would say “his or her.”)
Example 4: Neither candidate presented their plan clearly. (Plural use in modern English.)
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
✗ Incorrect: Everybody are going to the party.
✓ Correct: Everybody is going to the party.
Why: “Everybody” is singular, even though it refers to many people.
✗ Incorrect: None of the students did their homework.
✓ Correct: None of the students did their homework. (Both are acceptable, but “their” is standard in modern English.)
Why: Using “their” for singular indefinite pronouns is now accepted and preferred over “his or her.”
✗ Incorrect: All of the data were analyzed.
✓ Correct: All of the data was analyzed.
Why: “Data” can be treated as singular (collective noun) or plural. In modern usage, singular is more common.
✗ Incorrect: Each of the members have to pay their dues.
✓ Correct: Each of the members has to pay their dues.
Why: “Each” is singular, so it takes “has.” “Their” is singular they.
Sample Dialogues
A student asking about agreement
Student: Why is “Everyone are” wrong?
Teacher: Because “everyone” is one group. Even though it talks about many people, grammatically it’s singular. Think of it as “Every one of the people is here” — singular.
Student: So “everyone is” sounds wrong to me.
Teacher: That’s because we hear “all those people,” which feels plural. But in grammar, we say “everyone is,” not “are.”
Discussing their vs. his/her
A: Is it “Everyone brought his book” or “Everyone brought their book”?
B: “Their” is now the standard. It’s gender-neutral and avoids the awkward “his or her.”
A: But isn’t “their” plural?
B: It was, but now “they/their” is also used as singular when the gender is unknown. It’s grammatically accepted in modern English.
Quick Quiz
- Everyone ________ to the party. (is going / are going)
- Few of the guests ________ on time. (was / were)
- Some of the milk ________ spoiled. (was / were)
- Both ________ acceptable answers. (is / are)
- None of the students ________ their homework. (did / done)
Answers: 1. is going · 2. were · 3. was · 4. are · 5. did
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- Personal Pronouns in English
- Demonstrative Pronouns: This, That, These, Those
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Pronouns (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are indefinite pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to people or things in a general, non-specific way. Examples include: someone, anyone, everyone, something, nothing, few, many, both, and several.
Are all indefinite pronouns singular?
No. Some are always singular (everyone, somebody, nobody), some are always plural (both, few, many, several), and some are variable depending on context (some, all, most, none).
How do I know which verb form to use?
Determine the number of the indefinite pronoun. If it’s singular, use a singular verb (“Everyone is here”). If it’s plural, use a plural verb (“Few are willing”). For variable pronouns, look at the noun: countable = plural (“Some students are absent”); uncountable = singular (“Some water is cold”).
Should I use “their” with “everyone”?
Yes. Modern English accepts “their” as a singular pronoun when gender is unknown: “Everyone brought their book.” This is the standard in contemporary writing.
What’s the difference between “someone” and “anyone”?
“Someone” refers to a specific (but unnamed) person: “Someone called while you were out.” “Anyone” refers to any person at all: “Anyone can join the club.”
Is “none” singular or plural?
Traditionally singular (“None of the cake was eaten”), but modern English increasingly accepts the plural form (“None of the students were prepared”). Both are correct.
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