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singular or plural

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vscid

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2007
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Student or Learner
(A) none of my friends have been able to solve the case.
(B) none of my friends has been able to solve the case.

Which is correct and why?
 
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Gundl

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Oct 1, 2007
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English Teacher
vscid said:
(A) none of my friends have been able to solve the case.
(B) none of my friends has been able to solve the case.

Which is correct and why?
Click to expand...


Both are correct, although a plural verb is more usual.
Maybe because the verb is adjacent to a plural noun, it appears natural to use a plural verb. But none = no one, is singular, so that a singular verb is also acceptable.

But:
None of this has anything to do with me.
 
engee30

engee30

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Apr 1, 2006
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Retired English Teacher
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Polish
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Poland
Current Location
England
vscid said:
(A) none of my friends have been able to solve the case.
(B) none of my friends has been able to solve the case.

Which is correct and why?
Click to expand...

Just as Gundl wrote, both are accepted. As far as I know, a plural verb is more informal; the same goes for either of and neither of:

Do / Does either of you two want something to drink?
Neither of my parents work / works as an accountant.
:)
 
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