Navigating Question Tags with Indefinite Pronouns
"In the elegant dance of English grammar, even the most general subjects find their specific partner in the question tag, often surprising us with a collective embrace."
When indefinite pronouns such as 'someone', 'anybody', 'no one', 'everyone', and 'everybody' serve as the subject of a main clause, their corresponding question tags follow a distinct and widely accepted pattern. This often involves a seemingly plural pronoun, 'they', adding a fascinating layer to subject-verb agreement.
The 'They' Tag for Indefinite Subjects
General Rule: Regardless of the singular appearance of these indefinite pronouns, the tag pronoun consistently defaults to 'they'. This reflects a common tendency in English to use 'they' as a gender-neutral or collective singular.
- Someone is waiting for your delivery, don't they?
- No one raised an objection, did they?
- In close-knit villages, everybody recognises everybody else, don't they?
- Anybody could make that error, couldn't they?
- Everyone enjoyed the performance, didn't they?
Key Insight: This usage of 'they' in the tag helps maintain a natural flow in spoken and written English, avoiding potentially awkward or gender-specific alternatives.
"The collective 'they' in question tags for indefinite pronouns is a testament to the language's adaptability, reflecting evolving linguistic norms and a preference for fluidity."
To test your understanding of Indefinite Pronouns in Main Clauses and Their Tag Pronouns in English Grammar, click here to take the quiz!
