PRONOUNS PART THREEGrade Eight

INDEFINITE PRONOUNS• Indefinite pronouns seem to be not very specific in nature. However, they

are still pronouns, so they do take the place of a noun that is its antecedent.

• Many of the same words that are indefinite pronouns can also be used as adjectives.

• There are twenty-six indefinite pronouns:

all another any anybody

anyone anything both everybody

everyone everything few many

more most much nobody

none no one nothing one

other several some somebody

someone something

TEST YOURSELF-LOCATING INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

• Identify the indefinite pronoun in each sentence.1. I saw some of the artwork done by the students.

some2. Everybody in the parade was dressed for Halloween.

everybody3. I gave much of my sandwich to the hungry puppy.

much4. No one seemed interested in the movie.

no one5. I read all of the book for A.R.

all6. I saw nothing of the television show because I was on the phone.

nothing

AGREEMENT OF INDEFINITE PRONOUNS• Indefinite pronouns are tricky when it comes to having them agree with

the verb in the sentence.

• The following indefinite pronouns are singular. This means they would take “is” or “was” as a verb. It also means that a verb following it may end in an “s.”

another, anybody, anyone, anything, everybody, everyone, everything, much, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something

Ex. Anybody in the class is eligible for the prize. Ex. Everyone works hard. Ex. Something is included in the newsletter. Ex. Much of the assignment was completed. Ex. Nothing lasts long.

AGREEMENT OF INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

• The following indefinite pronouns are plural. This means they would take “are” or “were” as a verb. They can also be followed by a verb that does NOT end in “s.”

both, few, many, several

Ex. Both of the boys are tall. Ex. Few participate in the event. Ex. Many of the students were involved in the contest. Ex. Several of the games involve running.

AGREEMENT OF INDEFINITE PRONOUNS• The following indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural. The

appropriate verb matches the object of the preposition that separates the pronoun from the verb. Remember singular verbs are “is,” “was,” or actions that end in “s.” Plural verbs include “are,” “were,” or actions that do not end in “s.” If no prepositional phrase separates the subject and verb, use context to determine the usage.

all, any, more, most, none, some

Ex. All of the fruit is ripe. Ex. Any of the games seem fun. Ex. More of the material is needed for the project. Ex. Most of the players were exhausted after the game. Ex. None of the questions appear difficult. Ex. Some of the problem is solved. Ex. All were taken. Now there was nothing left.

TEST YOURSELF – AGREEMENT WITH INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

• Choose the verb that agrees with the indefinite pronoun.

1. Both of the players (is, are) going to the bench.

are

2. Some of the program (is, are)m completed.

is

3. Everybody on the court (is, are ) cheering.

is

4. None of the groceries(is, are) purchased.

are

5. Few of the students (know, knows) the answer.

know

DISTRIBUTIVE PRONOUNS

• Distributive pronouns work just like the distributive property in mathematics. These pronouns refer to each thing separately; therefore, they are always singular and require a singular verb. Remember, singular verbs include “is,” ”was,” “has,” and actions that end in “s.”

• The distributive pronouns are each, either, and neither.

Ex. Each of the games is being played right now. Ex. Either of the photos was acceptable for the project. Ex. Neither of the shows interests me.

TEST YOURSELF – DISTRIBUTIVE PRONOUNS

• Choose the verb that completes the sentence.

1. Neither of my relatives ( has, have) gone home.

has

2. Each of the papers (is, are) well done.

is

3. Either of the dresses (was, were) appropriate for the dance.

was

4. Each of the chairs (has, have) a cover on them.

has

INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS• Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions.

• Interrogative pronouns do have antecedents. The antecedent would be the noun that answers the question. It may or may not be stated.

• There are five interrogative pronouns.

who, whom, whose, which, what

Ex. Who will be attending the assembly? Ex. With whom did you speak? Ex. Whose hat is that? Ex. Which of the books did you buy at the book fair? Ex. What should I bring to the party?