Simple grammar question?

Question

I'm a 19 year old grammarian... it just occurred to me, though, that there's a phrase that is bugging me.

Which is it?:

There is none.
(or)
There are none.

Thanks!

Thanks for the answers. I thought so that each phrase depended on the context I may be using.

Answer 1

It's a matter of a singular vs. plural subject.
For example,

Mom, I want some juice.
There is none.

Juice being a singular subject results in singular verb agreement form (is).

Next example,

Mom, I want some cupcakes.
There are none.

Cupcakes being a plural subject results in plural verb agreement form (are).

Answer 2

"None

—Usage note Since none has the meanings “not one” and “not any,” some insist that it always be treated as a singular and be followed by a singular verb: The rescue party searched for survivors, but none was found. However, none has been used with both singular and plural verbs since the 9th century. When the sense is “not any persons or things” (as in the example above), the plural is more common: … none were found. Only when none is clearly intended to mean “not one” or “not any” is it followed by a singular verb: Of all my articles, none has received more acclaim than my latest one. "

Answer 3

Hmm,

I do believe this all depends on the context of what it is that you are talking about.

If you are grouping whatever it is in one large group (or whatever it is is singular), it would be "there is none." I.E. Someone asks where the cake is, you say there is none.

But, if it is plural...it would be "there are none." I.E. Someone asks where the cupcakes are, you say there are none.

It just depends on the context you are using it in, whether it is plural or singular!

Good luck to a fellow grammarian!

Answer 4

"Is there any beer left?"
..... "No. There is none. The keg went dry half an hour ago."
"Well, are ther any pretzels?"
........... "No. There are none. Bob took the last bag when he went for another keg."
"Did you meet the new girl?"
.......... "You mean the 19 year old grammarian? Yeah. Hard to believe she's got grand kids though!"

Answer 5

You'll find different answers. Some people are 'strict' and say it can only have a singular verb after it. But really it depends on how you're using it.

Here's a site with a decent explanation:
http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/039.html

Answer 6

Depends on the subject that is implied but not specified. If the subject is plural, There are none is correct and if the subject is singular, There is none is correct.

Answer 7

As most answers seem to always be some shade of gray rather than black or white, I would ask, what is the reference?

But, as a standard rule, you had it with the latter: There are none.

Please write back if arguing is your bag. Otherwise, Happy Friday.

Answer 8

I guess it depends on the sentance, but I would go with "there are none"

Answer 9

One is singular and one is plural.

Example:
Bob: "Do we have any ice cream left?"
Bob's wife: "There is none. I ate it."

Example:
Bob's wife: "Do we have any candy bars left?"
Bob:"There are none. I ate them."

Answer 10

I'm kind of partial to "they ain't none"