by Mignon Fogarty
"None" can be singular or plural, but many people believe it can only be singular.
"None" Is Singular
"None" can mean roughly “not one” and be followed by a singular verb. It also takes a singular verb when followed by a mass noun:
None of the water is polluted.
"None" Is Plural
Sometimes "none" means roughly “not any” or your sentence has a sense of plurality. In such cases, "none" can take a plural verb, and it often sounds more natural.
I talked to the boys, and none of them are coming to the party.
What Should You Do?
You may be chided by the uninformed when you follow "none" with a plural verb, but don’t be afraid to do so if your sentence calls for it.
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