We were just writing something and struck by the question, "Is 'none' singular or plural?" We were under the impression that any indefinite pronoun ending with "one" (anyone, no one, everyone) was singular. But there is something funny about saying something like, "None of the students is coming," right? What's the deal?
After some dedicated Googling, we stumbled upon a satisfying answer, from Patricia O'Conner, author of the fabulous book Woe Is I. Here's what she says:
Contrary to what many people think, "none" isn't precisely a contraction of "not one." Historically, its derivation is closer in meaning to "not any." The word in medieval times was "nane," so your suggestion of a contraction "nany" isn't all that far out. Most authorities have always believed that “none” is usually closer to “not any (of them)” than to “not one (of them).” What to remember: When "none" means "none of them," it’s plural. Example: "None of the cookies were eaten." When "none" means "none of it," it’s singular. Example: "None of the cake was eaten." If you really do mean “not one,” why not simply say “not one”?
Here's a link to O'Conner's blog, which is fabulous, and her site Grammarphobia. Other awesome grammar-related clickage:
- Reuters Online Style Guide. Grammar dorks across the nation felt their hearts go a-flutter when this became available to the public last week. Woohoo!
- The Deluxe Transitive Vampire. This book is amazing. If I were going to curl up and read a book about grammar for fun, this would be it.
- O'Conner's book, Woe Is I. Also immensely entertaining.
- Strunk & White, because you can't not have read this.
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