Key Difference

The word “none” can be tricky because it can mean not one (singular) or not any (plural). So, both “none is” and “none are” can be correct depending on what you’re referring to!

Let’s explore this with examples.

1. When to Use “None Is” (Singular)

If you’re talking about a single item or something uncountable, you should use “is” because “none” refers to not one.

Examples:

• “None of the cake is left.” (Refers to a singular thing: cake 🍰)
• “None of the information is accurate.” (Information is uncountable)

Think of “none” as not one here. If you could replace “none” with “not one,” and the sentence makes sense, you’ll want to use is:

• “Not one of the cake is left.” ✅

2. When to Use “None Are” (Plural)

If you’re referring to multiple items, “none” means not any, so you should use are. This happens when you’re talking about countable nouns.

Examples:

• “None of the students are present.” (Students = countable, plural 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓)
• “None of the books are on the shelf.” (Books = plural 📚)

Here, “none” refers to not any. If you could replace “none” with “not any” and it makes sense, then you should use are:

• “Not any of the students are present.” ✅

Common Confusions

Sometimes, both singular and plural could technically work depending on your focus.

• “None of the team is here.” (If you see the team as a single unit 🏆)
• “None of the team are here.” (If you’re thinking about the individual members 👥)

Both can be correct!

Quick Tip

If the noun after “none” is uncountable or singular (cake, information), use is.
If the noun is countable and plural (students, books), use are.

Practice Time! 📝

Fill in the blanks with “is” or “are”:

1. None of the water ___ safe to drink.
2. None of my friends ___ coming to the party.
3. None of the money ___ missing from the drawer.
4. None of the chairs ___ comfortable.

Answers:

1. None of the water is safe to drink. (Uncountable)
2. None of my friends are coming to the party. (Plural)
3. None of the money is missing from the drawer. (Uncountable)
4. None of the chairs are comfortable. (Plural)

Learning Tip! 🌟

To remember, think:

• Singular things like cake, money, or water = None is.
• Plural things like friends, students, or chairs = None are.