Pronouns

[Katherine99]

Do the following indefinite pronouns always take a singular verb: anybody, anyone, each, each one, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, none, somebody, something?

Why is the verb singular in the following sentence: Most of the congestion on the highway was caused by an overturned truck. (from a practice test)

 

[5jj]

Please start a separate thread for unrelated questions. Confusion can result if different people respond to different questions in the same thread.

1. The words you list function as singular pronouns.

2. 'Most' here means, roughly, 'the greater part'.

I suggest that you delete the third question and start a new thread with it.

 

[Katherine99]

Then, will most always take a singular verb?

 

[Raymott]

Do the following indefinite pronouns always take a singular verb: anybody, anyone, each, each one, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, none, somebody, something?

Don't be surprised if you see some of these being used colloquially with plural verbs:
"None of you are right"; "If either of you have any questions ..."; "Neither of you have cause to complain".
This is strictly wrong - don't put this in your exams. But, at least in AusE, this would usually go unnoticed.

 

[Raymott]

Then, will most always take a singular verb?

No. 'Most' is plural if the noun is countable.
"Most of the students have arrived." Countable.
"Most of the milk has spilled." Uncountable.

 

[Katherine99]

Hi Raymott,

Thank You for the information.