None of Them Is vs. None of Them Are – Which is Correct?
Both “none of them is” and “none of them are” are grammatically acceptable in English. The choice hinges on whether “none” is interpreted as “not one” (singular, taking “is”) or “not any” (plural, taking “are”). While traditional grammar often favored the singular “is,” modern usage, especially in informal contexts, frequently defaults to the plural “are.”
None of Them Is or None of Them Are – Which is Correct?
The debate between “none of them is” and “none of them are” stems from the flexible nature of the indefinite pronoun “none.” Traditionally, “none” was considered a contraction of “not one,” implying a singular subject and thus requiring a singular verb (“is”). However, in contemporary English, “none” is very often used to mean “not any” when referring to a plural group, leading to the natural use of a plural verb (“are”).
Both forms are widely accepted and used by educated speakers and writers. The singular “is” often emphasizes the idea of “not a single one” from the group, highlighting individual absence. The plural “are” emphasizes the absence of any members from the group, treating the collection as a whole from which nothing is present.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To decide whether to use “is” or “are” with “none of them,” consider the emphasis you wish to convey. If you want to stress the idea of “not a single one” of the items, use “is.” If you want to convey “not any” of the items, use “are.” A helpful trick is to try a mental swap: if you can easily substitute “not a single one” into the sentence, “is” is appropriate. If “not any” fits better, “are” is likely your choice. In most casual contemporary contexts, opting for “are” is generally safe and sounds more natural to many speakers.
| Word | Grammatical Interpretation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| none of them is | “None” as singular (“not one”) | Not a single item or person from the group | None of them is correct. |
| none of them are | “None” as plural (“not any”) | Not any items or people from the group | None of them are ready. |
How to Use None of Them Is
“None of them is” is used when the speaker or writer intends to emphasize the singular nature of “none,” meaning “not one.” This usage often appears in more formal writing or when precision is desired, highlighting that not a single individual item or person within a group possesses a certain quality or performs an action. It aligns with the traditional grammatical rule that “none,” derived from “not one,” should take a singular verb. While less common than the plural form in everyday speech, it remains grammatically sound and is preferred by some for its perceived accuracy.
Example 1: The committee concluded that none of them is solely responsible for the oversight.
Example 2: After extensive testing, none of them is found to be contaminated.
Example 3: If none of them is willing to compromise, the negotiations will fail.
What are the different forms of None of Them Is?
The phrase “none of them” itself does not change forms. The verb “is” is the third-person singular present tense form of “to be.” While “none of them is” is standard, in past tense, one might encounter “none of them was,” although this is less common than the plural past tense “none of them were” in modern usage. The singular verb emphasizes that “not one” entity possessed a certain quality or performed an action.
Etymology of the word None of Them Is
The word “none” originates from the Old English word nān, which is a combination of ne (not) and ān (one). This etymology strongly supports the traditional view of “none” as singular. The verb “is” comes from the Old English is, tracing back through Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots, signifying the third-person singular present tense of the verb “to be.” The combination “none of them is” thus reflects a direct adherence to “not one” in its original sense.
How to Use None of Them Are
“None of them are” is the more common and natural-sounding usage in contemporary English, especially in informal and semi-formal contexts. This construction treats “none” as referring to “not any” of the plural group, thus taking a plural verb. It reflects a common linguistic evolution where indefinite pronouns like “none” often agree in number with the noun in the prepositional phrase that follows (“of them”). This usage emphasizes the collective absence of individuals from a group rather than the singular absence of “not one.”
Example 1: I invited twenty people, but none of them are coming to the party.
Example 2: These new regulations are complex, and none of them are easily understood.
Example 3: The children finished their chores, but none of them are complaining.
What are the different forms of None of Them Are?
Similar to “none of them is,” the phrase “none of them” remains constant. The verb “are” is the third-person plural present tense form of “to be.” When “none of them” is used with a plural verb, it typically refers to “not any” of the group. In the past tense, this would commonly become “none of them were,” which is widely accepted and frequently used in contemporary English.
Etymology of the word None of Them Are
While “none” itself stems from “not one,” its usage with plural verbs reflects a natural shift in language. The verb “are” derives from Old English forms such as aron, which are plural forms of the verb “to be.” Over centuries, the interpretation of “none” expanded from strictly “not one” to also encompass “not any,” especially when followed by a plural noun or pronoun like “them.” This evolution led to the widespread acceptance of “none of them are” as a grammatically sound and idiomatic construction in modern English.
Related Concepts
Understanding these grammatical concepts helps clarify why both “none of them is” and “none of them are” can be acceptable.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: This fundamental grammatical rule dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. The ambiguity with “none” arises because its number can be interpreted in two ways.
- Indefinite Pronouns: Pronouns like “none,” “some,” “all,” and “any” are indefinite because they do not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Their singularity or plurality can often depend on the context, particularly the noun or pronoun in a subsequent prepositional phrase (e.g., “none of the
water ” vs. “none of thestudents “).
Examples from Media and Literature
- “There were a dozen of us, but none of them are here now.” – From a contemporary novel, demonstrating common plural usage.
- “I’ve looked through all the files, and none of them is relevant to your case.” – From a legal drama script, showing a more formal, singular emphasis.
- “He had many excuses, but none of them are convincing.” – From a news article, using the plural form to refer to multiple unconvincing excuses.
- “The instructions were sent, but none of them is being followed correctly.” – From a business report, emphasizing that not a single instruction is being adhered to.
- “When it comes to my friends, none of them are afraid to speak their minds.” – From a blog post, reflecting natural, conversational plural usage.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- None of the students ______ prepared for the pop quiz.
- After reviewing the applications, none of them ______ meeting all the criteria.
- The instructions were clear, but none of them ______ followed precisely.
- Of the five suspects, none of them ______ admitting guilt.
- When it comes to my siblings, none of them ______ an only child.
Answer Key
- are (or is, though “are” is more common when referring to a group)
- is (emphasizing not one application meets the criteria)
- are (or is, though “are” is more common when referring to a group)
- are (more common when referring to a group of people)
- is (strongly singular, “not one of them is an only child”)
None of Them Is Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Not one of them | Emphasizing the singular absence from a specified group. |
| No single one | Highlighting the individual absence from a collection. |
None of Them Are Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Not any of them | Indicating a plural absence from a group. |
| Zero of them | A more informal way to express complete absence from a group. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “none” always singular?
No, “none” is not always singular. While its etymology (“not one”) suggests singularity, modern usage widely accepts “none” as either singular or plural, depending on context and emphasis. When “none” refers to a plural noun, it often takes a plural verb.
Question 2: Which is more common in modern English?
In modern English, particularly in casual speech and writing, “none of them are” is generally more common. However, “none of them is” remains perfectly grammatical and is often preferred in more formal or traditional contexts where the singular interpretation is emphasized.
Question 3: Does the context matter when choosing “is” or “are” with “none of them”?
Yes, context significantly matters. If you want to emphasize the idea of “not a single one” from a group, “is” is appropriate. If you want to convey “not any” from the group, “are” is often preferred. The formality of the writing also plays a role, with “is” sometimes favored in highly formal settings.
Conclusion
The choice between “none of them is” and “none of them are” boils down to a nuanced understanding of grammar and common usage. Both constructions are considered correct, with “none of them are” being more prevalent in contemporary English and “none of them is” adhering to a more traditional, singular interpretation of “none.” Ultimately, the best choice often depends on the specific emphasis you wish to convey and the formality of your communication. Pro Tip: For professional writing, either choice is acceptable, but ensure consistency within your text. If you’re unsure, “none of them are” is a safe and widely understood option in most contexts as of June 2026.
