Agreement With None

When it comes to subject-verb agreement the word none is special… like a mildly irritating snowflake. Here's why: sometimes it uses a singular verb; other times, it uses a plural verb.

Now, we know what you're thinking. "Gee, thanks, Shmoop. That's really helpful."

We feel your pain. And your sarcasm. So keep these two ideas in mind:

  • When none means no one or not one, use the singular form of the verb.
  • When none means not any or suggests more than one thing or person, use the plural form of the verb.

Examples