Usage Note: It is widely asserted that none is equivalent to no one, and hence requires a singular verb and singular pronoun: None of the prisoners was given his soup. It is true that none is etymologically derived from the Old English word ân, “one,” but the word has been used as both a singular and a plural noun from Old English onward. The plural use can be found in reputable sources such as the King James Bible, Dryden, and Burke; and H.W. Fowler described the traditional rule as “a mistake.” Either a singular or a plural verb is acceptably used in a sentence such as None of the conspirators has (or have) been brought to trial. When none is modified by almost, however, it is difficult to avoid treating the word as a plural: Almost none of the officials were (not was) interviewed by the committee. None can only be plural in its use in sentences such as None but his most loyal supporters believe (not believes) his story.
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Friends of African Village Libraries (I post regularly here)- Daily activities at Nyariga Community Library
- Reading at Nyariga Community Library
- Recent activities of Ghana library coordinator in Upper East
- Cleaning up at Nyariga Community Library
- Photos from Gowrie-Kunkua Community Library
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- Séance d’encadrement des élèves du primaire
- Nighttime hours at Gowrie-Kunkua Community Library
- Animation d’une séance de lecture guidée à l’école Sainte Thérèse de Jésus
- Achat de livres de nouveaux pour le Centre de Lecture et d’Études de Béréba/CLEB