Words that Work

By Joanne Mira

"Words have power—not just to inform, but to connect, to inspire, and to build understanding."

2. identified and corrected common grammatical errors.

1. recalled basic grammar rules and

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the session, we should have...

Instructions:

1. Read each statement carefully.

2. Identify whether the statement shows correct use of indefinite pronouns.

3. Choose the correct answer from the given choices.

Multiple Choice

Everyone in the classroom have finished their assignments.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

"Everyone" is an indefinite pronoun that
always takes a singular verb (has),
even though the concept refers to multiple people (Grammarly, 2023).

Multiple Choice

Everyone in the hallway were shocked when they heard the school-wide announcement.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Neither of the students were able to complete the experiment.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

"Neither" is an indefinite pronoun that requires a singular verb (was), even when followed by a prepositional phrase containing plural nouns ("of the students") (Grammarly, 2023).

Multiple Choice

Neither parents were able to attend the meeting.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Each of the students submits their project tomorrow.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

The indefinite pronoun "each" always requires a singular verb (submits), regardless of the plural noun in the prepositional phrase that follows it. Note that using "their" as a singular pronoun referring back to "each student" is considered acceptable in modern grammar (Grammarly, 2023).

Multiple Choice

A number of students were absent today.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

“A number…” is indefinite and
takes the plural verb

“The number…” is specific and
takes a singular verb

Multiple Choice

The number of enrollees this year are increasing.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Either the principal or the guidance counselors are available for conferences.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

When subjects are joined by either … or or neither … nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (Azar & Hagen, 2017).

Multiple Choice

Neither the students nor the teacher are attending the flag rites.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

None of the information is useful for the research report.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

"Information" is uncountable, so "none" is singular in this case. "None" can be singular or plural, depending on the noun it refers to and the context (Azar & Hagen, 2017).

Multiple Choice

None of the books on the teacher's desk is missing.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

All of the teachers are attending the institutional meeting.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

Some indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural depending on the noun they’re referring to. They include all, any, more, most, none, some, and such (Grammarly, 2023).

Multiple Choice

Each of the teachers has received a new uniform.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

"Each" is an indefinite pronoun that is always singular and therefore takes a singular verb and singular pronouns (Grammarly, 2023).

Multiple Choice

There aren't much chairs left in the room.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

"Much" – for uncountable nouns

• Used when referring to things that cannot be counted individually

• Often used in questions and negative sentences

"Many" – for countable nouns

• Used when referring to things that can be counted

• Can be used in positive, negative, and question sentences

Multiple Choice

If you have questions, ask anyone of the assistants for help.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Rationalization

"Any one" (two words)

• Refers to a specific person or item in a group.

• "One" is the subject; "any" limits the choice.

• Often followed by "of" or used to highlight individual selection.

"Anyone" (one word)

• An indefinite pronoun meaning any person at all, used when you don't refer to a specific individual.

• More general and inclusive.

References

Azar, B. S., & Hagen, S. A. (2017). Understanding and using English grammar (5th ed.). Pearson.

Grammarly. (2023, August 25). How to Use Indefinite Pronouns, With Examples | Grammarly. How to Use Indefinite Pronouns, with Examples | Grammarly; Grammarly Blog. https://www.grammarly.com/blog/parts-of-speech/indefinite-pronouns/

2. identified and corrected common grammatical errors.

1. recalled basic grammar rules and

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the session, we should have...

As we walk together in hope, grammar becomes our map—guiding our words, shaping our thoughts, and helping our voices reach others with clarity and care.

​-ADI English Department

By Joanne Mira