Parts of Speech: Pronoun Finale!

We have reached the last two pronoun types. Last week, we talked about the issues with relative and interrogative pronouns. The week before that, personal and intensive/reflexive. The week before that, we talked about each of the 6 types of pronouns. Today, we will talk about demonstrative and indefinite.

Demonstrative pronouns really don’t cause any problems. There are only four of them: this, that, these, and those:

I like this.

Who did that?

I want some of these.

Who took those?

Much of the time, however, they are used as adjectives: I want those cookies. I read that book.

Two things to remember when you use them as adjectives:

1. Try to avoid using the phrase “these ones” or “those ones.” You don’t need the “ones.”
2. These and those are plural, so use a plural noun when you use them: I like these types of songs NOT I like these type of songs. 

Indefinite pronouns cause a lot of problems. Indefinite pronouns include everything, something, anything, anyone, everyone, nothing, many, all, few, none. The problem is in determining which are singular and which are plural, so you can use the appropriate verb with them. 

Although words like everyone and everything sound plural, they are actually singular. Here are some singular indefinite pronouns: anyone, anything, anybody, everyone, everything, everybody, no one, nothing, nobody, someone, something, somebody, one, each, either, neither

1. Everyone is here. (singular verb is)
2. Is anyone there?
3. Nothing is wrong.
4. Someone is knocking at the door. 
5. Either you or Fred is going next.
6. Neither of us is able to go.

And the pronouns to which they refer in the sentence must also be singular.

1. Everyone on the girls basketball team should have her new uniform tomorrow. (Use her because you know they are all girls.)
2. Everyone in the classroom should have his or her book. (Don’t like “his or her”? You can now use “their” or they or them as a singular if you wish. My advice is to rewrite the sentence to avoid the issue entirely. Everyone in the classroom should have a book.

These indefinite pronouns are plural: both, few, many, and several (and they sound plural)

1. Both are beautiful, so it will be a difficult choice.
2. Few people are in the audience.
3. Many  are applying to Harvard.
4. Several are participating in the protest.

Some indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural depending upon the noun they refer to, which is usually in a prepositional phrase that comes after the pronoun: all, any, more, most, some, none

1. All of the cake is gone. All of the pizzas are gone.
2. Is any of the pie left? Are any of the pieces left?
3. More of these papers are coming in. More of this information is needed.
4. Most of the songs are new. Most of the jazz piece is very fast.
5. Some of the girls are playing tennis. Some of the team is resting.
6. None of the vases broke. None of the valuable vase was broken.