Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that every writer must follow to ensure that their writing is clear and coherent. In English, the subject and verb must always agree in number, i.e., if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. Rule number 12 of subject-verb agreement is particularly important because it involves the use of indefinite pronouns.

Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to an unspecified person, thing, or group. Examples of indefinite pronouns include “everyone,” “anyone,” “someone,” “none,” “either,” “neither,” “everything,” “anything,” “something,” and “nothing.” Rule number 12 states that when these indefinite pronouns are used as the subject of a sentence, they are always singular, and the verb must also be singular.

Here are some examples of the subject-verb agreement rule number 12:

1. Everyone is here for the meeting. (“Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that refers to an unspecified group of people. It is singular, so the verb “is” must also be singular.)

2. Anyone can join the contest. (“Anyone” is singular, so the verb “can” must also be singular.)

3. Something smells delicious in the kitchen. (“Something” is singular, so the verb “smells” must also be singular.)

4. Everything was taken care of before I arrived. (“Everything” is singular, so the verb “was” must also be singular.)

5. Neither of the options is ideal. (“Neither” is singular, so the verb “is” must also be singular.)

6. None of the students was present in the class. (“None” is singular, so the verb “was” must also be singular.)

7. Each of the players has to bring their own equipment. (“Each” is singular, so the verb “has” must also be singular.)

8. Either of the answers is correct. (“Either” is singular, so the verb “is” must also be singular.)

In conclusion, following the subject-verb agreement rule number 12 is essential to ensure grammatical correctness in writing. Indefinite pronouns are always singular, and the verb used with them must also be singular. By following this simple rule, writers can ensure that their sentences are clear and coherent, and their ideas are conveyed effectively.