When to use "none" as singular or plural?

Question

Can someone please tell me which is most appropriate?

(a) "At this time, none of the parties is planning to file a motion"; or

(b) "At this time, none of the parties are planning to file a motion."

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38

3

Either is correct, although I was taught that "None is" is more appropriate in legal proceedings, where every word matters. After subsequently reading Jon Hanna's excellent analysis in answer to a similar question on EL&U, I can only conclude that what I was taught is not correct. I encourage you to read his answer, which concludes that both uses are equally appropriate in any setting, with a few exceptions as noted. See: "None" as plural indefinite pronoun for his answer.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38

Community

1

answered Jan 18 '16 at 22:14

Mark Hubbard

6,777

You could also simply use the present tense of the verb: "...none of the parties plans to file a motion." – Tim Ward Jan 18 '16 at 23:11
2

I think you need to explain why being a legal matter has anything to do with it. – Jim Jan 18 '16 at 23:14
Why is "none is" more formal than "none are"? – Peter Shor Jan 18 '16 at 23:35
@PeterShor Might be within a legal context because there might be a hoard of prescriptivist proofreaders instructed to change are to is under such circumstances ... :( – Araucaria - Him Jan 19 '16 at 00:05
Please see my edited answer. I apologize to anyone I've misled. – Mark Hubbard Jan 19 '16 at 00:06

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 18 '16 at 23:43

0

None "is." That's the only correct answer. This is a common error. None means "not one," clearly singular. Read it as "Not one is planning to file.." and it becomes obvious.

answered Jan 18 '16 at 23:43

Kdelano

1

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 19 '16 at 01:11

None stands for "not one"; thus the only correct way to use it here would be none is. As attested by this quote from Lord Byron's Don Juan:

In Seville was he born, a pleasant city,
Famous for oranges and women—he
Who has not seen it will be much to pity,
So says the proverb—and I quite agree;
Of all the Spanish towns is none more pretty,
Cadiz perhaps—but that you soon may see;
Don Juan's parents lived beside the river,
A noble stream, and call'd the Guadalquivir.

When to use "none" as singular or plural?

3 Answers3