Indefinite Pronouns refer to non-specific persons, places, objects, or quantities (e.g., someone, anyone, everything, each, both, none). One of the most frequently tested areas in English grammar is managing Subject-Verb Agreement with indefinite pronouns. Incorrect verb selection with indefinite pronouns is a top source of error in professional writing and competitive exams.

The Core Rule

Indefinite pronouns ending in -body, -one, -thing as well as each, either, neither are strictly singular and require a singular verb. Pronouns like both, few, many, several are strictly plural. Variable pronouns (all, any, more, most, none, some - SANAM) depend on whether the prepositional object is countable or uncountable.

Key Examples

✅ Singular Indefinite: Everyone is expected to attend the briefing.
✅ Plural Indefinite: Both of the proposals were accepted.
✅ SANAM Variable: Some of the water was spilled vs Some of the apples were eaten.

1. Categorization of Indefinite Pronouns

Agreement Classification Matrix
CategoryIndefinite PronounsVerb AgreementExample Sentence
Always Singular everyone, someone, anyone, no one, everybody, somebody, anybody, nobody, everything, something, anything, nothing, each, either, neither, one Singular Verb (is, was, has, does) "Each of the delegates has received a badge."
Always Plural both, few, a few, many, several, others Plural Verb (are, were, have, do) "Several of the applicants were interviewed."
SANAM Variable Some, Any, None, All, More, Most Depends on head noun (Singular for non-count, Plural for count) "None of the information is public." vs "None of the books are missing."

2. Deep Dive: Each, Either, and Neither

A common trap occurs when each, either, or neither is followed by a plural prepositional phrase like "of the students". The prepositional phrase does NOT change the subject: the subject remains singular!

  • "Each of the candidates brings unique expertise." (NOT bring)
  • "Neither of the solutions is permanent." (NOT are)
  • "Either of the times works for me." (NOT work)

3. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Singular Indefinites

In formal written English, singular indefinite pronouns (everyone, someone) require singular possessive pronouns. Modern formal standard accepts the gender-neutral singular their / they:

  • Formal Traditional: Everyone must submit his or her report by 5 PM.
  • Modern Standard: Everyone must submit their report by 5 PM.
  • Incorrect: Everyone must submit their reports... (avoid mixing singular subject with plural noun objects when possible).
The SANAM Rule Trick

To remember variable indefinite pronouns, use the acronym SANAM: Some, Any, None, All, Most. Check the noun following "of the": if uncountable, use a singular verb; if plural countable, use a plural verb!

4. Common Errors and Corrections

Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
❌ Incorrect Usage✅ Correct Usage
Everyone in the department are attending.Everyone in the department is attending.
Neither of the options look promising.Neither of the options looks promising.
Some of the cake were eaten by the guests.Some of the cake was eaten by the guests.

✍️ Quick Practice — Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct verb in each sentence:

  1. Neither of the two applicants (has / have) the required clearance.
  2. All of the equipment (was / were) inspected yesterday.
  3. Many of the attendees (was / were) pleasantly surprised.

Answers: 1. has  |  2. was (equipment is non-count)  |  3. were

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Pronouns ending in -body, -one, -thing and each/either/neither strictly take singular verbs.
  • Pronouns like both, few, many, several strictly take plural verbs.
  • For SANAM pronouns (some, any, none, all, most), check the noun in the of-phrase to decide singular vs plural verb.