English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Identify and correct errors with indefinite pronoun-verb agreement
Identify and correct errors with indefinite pronoun-verb agreement
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define indefinite pronouns and categorize them as singular, plural, or variable.
Identify the indefinite pronoun serving as the subject in a complex sentence.
Apply the correct verb form (singular or plural) to agree with any indefinite pronoun.
Analyze sentences to detect indefinite pronoun-verb agreement errors.
Revise and correct sentences containing these specific agreement errors.
Construct original, complex sentences that demonstrate correct indefinite pronoun-verb agreement.
Have you ever written 'Everyone are ready for the test'? It sounds almost right, but something is off. 🤔 This common mistake can weaken the strongest argument.
This tutorial focuses on a crucial grammar rule: making verbs agree with indefinite pronouns (words like &...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subject-Verb AgreementThe fundamental grammar rule stating that a singular subject must have a singular verb, and a plural subject must have a plural verb.Correct: The *student writes* an essay. Incorrect: The *student write* an essay.
Indefinite PronounA pronoun that refers to a non-specific person, place, thing, or idea. It does not have a specific antecedent.In the sentence, '*Everyone* needs to be on time,' the word 'Everyone' is an indefinite pronoun.
Singular Indefinite PronounAn indefinite pronoun that is always treated as a single unit and therefore takes a singular verb.*Each* of the players *has* a new uniform. ('Each' is singular, so the verb is 'has'.)
Plural Indefinite PronounAn indefinite pronoun that is always tr...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The Singulars Rule
Pronouns like *each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, everything, anyone, anybody, anything, someone, somebody, something, no one, nobody,* and *nothing* are ALWAYS singular and take a singular verb.
Use this rule for the most common indefinite pronouns. The verb must end in '-s' in the present tense (e.g., 'believes', 'has', 'is').
The Plurals Rule
The pronouns *both, few, many, several,* and *others* are ALWAYS plural and take a plural verb.
Use this rule for the small group of exclusively plural indefinite pronouns. The verb will not have an '-s' ending in the present tense (e.g., 'believe', 'have', 'are').
The SANAM Rule (The Chameleons)
For the pronouns *So...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A student wrote: 'Everything the characters say reveal their hidden motives, and some of the dialogue are particularly insightful.' Which revision BEST corrects the indefinite pronoun-verb agreement errors?
A.Everything the characters say reveals their hidden motives, and some of the dialogue is particularly insightful.
B.Everything the characters say reveal their hidden motives, and some of the dialogues are particularly insightful.
C.Everything the characters says reveals their hidden motives, and some of the dialogue are particularly insightful.
D.Everything the characters say reveals their hidden motives, and some of the dialogue are particularly insightful.
Challenging
Which of the following complex sentences demonstrates FLAWLESS indefinite pronoun-verb agreement?
A.Both of the protagonists, despite their differences, shares a common goal.
B.Many of the themes in the novel is complex, but a few is straightforward.
C.Neither of the author's conclusions, which are presented in the final chapter, seems fully supported by the text.
D.Some of the symbolism are obvious, while most of the subtext require careful analysis.
Challenging
Which combination of phrases correctly forms a complex sentence demonstrating proper SANAM pronoun-verb agreement in both clauses?
A.1. 'Most of the writer's arguments...' + 2. '...is supported by textual evidence...' + 4. '...and none of the counter-claims is addressed.'
B.1. 'Most of the writer's arguments...' + 3. '...are supported by textual evidence...' + 4. '...and none of the counter-claims is addressed.'
C.1. 'Most of the writer's arguments...' + 2. '...is supported by textual evidence...' + 5. '...and none of the counter-claims are addressed.'
D.1. 'Most of the writer's arguments...' + 3. '...are supported by textual evidence...' + 5. '...and none of the counter-claims are addressed.'
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free