These words—“everybody” and “nobody”—are indefinite pronouns, meaning they don’t refer to a particular person. Both these indefinite pronouns are singular. This is important information, as you need to know if the subject is plural or singular in order to use the correct verb form. This sentence is incorrect:
Everybody know the chickens are fed by noon.
This is correct as the subject and verb agree:
Everybody knows the chickens are fed at noon.
Indefinite pronouns can be tricky. Some are singular, such as “everybody” and “nobody,” as well as “nothing” and “something.” Some are plural, such as “few” and “many.” Still others can go either way depending upon usage.
There’s no easy way to identify whether an indefinite article is singular, plural or variable just by looking at it. You’ll need to consult a dictionary and commit the information to memory. Many grammar books have a handy list that you might keep for reference.
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Now, let's delve into the concepts encapsulated in the provided article, unraveling the layers of linguistic precision:
1. Indefinite Pronouns:
- These are words that do not refer to any specific person, thing, or amount. In the given context, "everybody" and "nobody" are highlighted as examples of indefinite pronouns.
2. Singular Nature of "Everybody" and "Nobody":
- The article emphasizes that "everybody" and "nobody" are singular indefinite pronouns. This means they are treated as singular entities, impacting verb agreement in sentences.
3. Importance of Subject-Verb Agreement:
- The article underscores the significance of subject-verb agreement, especially in sentences with singular indefinite pronouns. In English grammar, the verb form must match the singular or plural nature of the subject for grammatical accuracy.
4. Example of Correct Sentence Structure:
- The article provides an incorrect sentence ("Everybody know the chickens are fed by noon") followed by a corrected version ("Everybody knows the chickens are fed at noon"). This exemplifies the correct usage of the singular verb "knows" to match the singular pronoun "everybody."
5. Variability in Indefinite Pronouns:
- The article mentions that some indefinite pronouns, like "nothing" and "something," are also singular. In contrast, others, such as "few" and "many," are plural. Additionally, certain indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural based on usage.
6. Difficulty in Identifying Singular or Plural Nature:
- Recognizing whether an indefinite pronoun is singular, plural, or variable is acknowledged as a challenging task. The article advises consulting dictionaries and keeping handy reference lists from grammar books to aid in distinguishing the nature of each pronoun.
7. No Easy Visual Clues:
- The article dispels the notion of having visual clues to discern the singular or plural nature of indefinite pronouns. Instead, it advocates for the reliance on external resources like dictionaries and grammar books.
In essence, this article serves as a valuable guide for individuals navigating the often perplexing realm of indefinite pronouns, offering practical insights and emphasizing the need for meticulous attention to grammatical details.
