Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns (e.g. everyone is)

Some subjects in English may look plural, but they take a singular verb. This is especially true with indefinite pronouns — words like everyone, somebody, each, none. Understanding whether these pronouns are singular or plural helps you match them with the right verb form.

1. Indefinite pronouns that are always singular

These pronouns refer to people or things in general but always take a singular verb:

• Everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, no one, nobody, anyone, anybody
• Each, either, neither, everything, something, nothing, anything

Examples:

• Everyone is welcome at the event.
• Each student needs a notebook.
• Nothing was missing from the report.

2. Indefinite pronouns that are always plural

These pronouns refer to multiple people or things and take a plural verb:

• Few, many, several, both

Examples:

• Many are interested in the topic.
• Both were accepted into the program.

3. Indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural

These depend on the noun they refer to:

• All, some, most, none

Examples:

• All of the water is clean. (uncountable → singular)
• All of the students are here. (countable → plural)