Navigating the Grammar Quandary: 'None of Them Is Going to Succeed' vs 'None of Them Are Going to Succeed'

The English language, with its glorious complexities, oftentimes throws us curve balls in the form of grammatical quandaries. One such puzzle involves the phrase 'none of them.' Which is the correct usage: 'None of them is going to succeed' or 'none of them are going to succeed'? We'll delve into the nuances of these phrases, explore the preferences of native speakers, and explain why certain rules might be more elastic than we think.

The Correct Answer According to Standard English

According to standard English, the correct phrase is 'None of them is going to succeed.' This aligns with the grammatical rules that we've been taught. However, the internet is filled with debates, with over 16 answers weighing in on which sounds more natural. Despite this, none of the suggestions make 'is' sound particularly natural to most people.

Common Misconceptions

Several key points are often misinterpreted when it comes to the usage of 'none.' For instance, many believe that 'none' is a contraction of 'not one,' which is a myth. Similarly, the idea that we should never split infinitives or end a sentence with a preposition is also a myth, as propagated by our teachers. Put these in the category of 'rules' once believed, but now debunked.

Native Speaker Preferences

When it comes to spoken dialogue, native speakers often find 'none of them are going to succeed' more natural. This is particularly true for speakers educated to doctoral level in arts-based subjects who grew up hearing and using both forms. Some might argue that 'none' should imply no singular or plural, thus making 'none of them are going to succeed' the better choice. However, strictly speaking, 'is' remains the grammatically correct form for a singular, non-plural subject.

Alternative Suggestion

Some suggest a rewrite for better flow. For instance, 'None of them are going to be successful' is often considered a better choice. This form emphasizes the failure as a group option rather than a singular one. Another alternative is to rephrase the sentence entirely, such as 'Not one of them is going to succeed,' which both maintains the singular form and captures the intended meaning precisely.

Guidance for Standardized Tests

In the context of standardized tests, grammatical accuracy is crucial. If the question is framed as 'One of them is going to succeed,' the corresponding answer would be 'None of them is going to succeed' (which equates to 'Not one of them is going to succeed'). Otherwise, 'None of them are going to succeed' is the correct form.

Conclusion

While the correct form of the phrase is 'None of them is going to succeed,' the natural flow and preference of native speakers can sometimes lead to variations. Understanding the nuances can help in both written and spoken communication, ensuring clarity and precision in your expression. As always, the key is to be aware of the context and audience—whether they prefer the singular or plural form can make a significant difference.