Grammar Lesson: Indefinite Pronouns

Activity 1- Indefinite Pronouns and Agreement

Underline the subject in each sentence, and then circle the correct verb. On the line before each sentence, write S if the subject and verb are singular, or P if the subject and verb are plural.

1. Most of the inspected cars (pass, passes) the examination.
2. None of these dishes (has, have) been washed yet.
3. Everyone in these cabins (is, are) going to the assembly.
4. (Do, Does) both of these tigers eat that much each day?
5. Several of us (want, wants) to be included in the plans.
6. (Has, Have) someone forgotten to sign the register this afternoon?
7. Each of the stockings (was, were) near the fireplace.
8. (Was, Were) all of the pastries delivered on time?
9. More of this speech (is, are) getting better each time you practice it.
10. Nothing on these tables (is, are) mine.
11. A few of the turtles (swim, swims) in the pond back here.
12. (Has, Have) several of these engineers surveyed the grounds?
13. Neither of these essays (was, were) completed on time.
14. Both of these girls (has, have) musical talent.
15. No one on the grade level (read, reads) these kinds of articles.

Activity 2- Writing With Indefinite Pronouns

Now is the time to use indefinite pronouns in your writing. Think carefully about the agreement rules before you compose each sentence. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Use neither as the sentence's subject.
2. Use few as the sentence's subject.
3. Use most as a singular subject.
4. Use most as a plural subject.
5. Use someone as the sentence's subject.
6. Use some as a singular subject.
7. Use some as a plural subject.
8. Use any as the singular subject of a sentence that asks a question.
9. Use somebody as the sentence's subject.
10. Use all as a plural subject of a sentence that asks a question.

Answers

• Indefinite Pronouns and Agreement

(The number—singular or plural—is listed first; the subject is listed second; and the verb is listed last.)

1. (P) Most—pass
2. (P) None—have
3. (S) Everyone—is
4. (P) both—Do
5. (P) Several—want
6. (S) someone—Has
7. (S) Each—was
8. (P) all—Were
9. (S) More—is
10. (S) Nothing—is
11. (P) few—swim
12. (P) several—Have
13. (S) Neither—was
14. (P) Both—have
15. (S) No one—reads

• Writing with Indefinite Pronouns

(These are possible answers.)

1. Neither of us wants to miss the concert.
2. A few of the dishes need washing.
3. Most of the puzzle has been completed.
4. Most of the tickets have been collected.
5. Someone in these rooms has left this package on the table.
6. Some of this newspaper is in the other room.
7. Some of the cards feel sticky.
8. Is any of the homework completed?
9. Somebody found Lester's cell phone in the locker room.
10. Are all of the dresses in this department on sale today?