Common mistake 'some' + sing. noun + verb

The Common Mistake of Using 'Some' with a Singular Noun and Verb

There is a common mistake in English grammar where the word 'some' is incorrectly used with a singular noun and verb. In this article, we will discuss this mistake and provide examples to help you understand the correct usage.

The Error

Using 'some' with a singular noun and verb is grammatically incorrect. The word 'some' is typically used to refer to an indefinite or unspecified quantity of something. However, it should only be used with plural nouns and verbs.

Incorrect: She has some apple in her hand.

Correct: She has an apple in her hand.

In the incorrect example, 'some' is used with the singular noun 'apple' and the singular verb 'has', which is incorrect. The correct sentence should use the indefinite article 'an' before the noun.

Exceptions

While 'some' is usually used with plural nouns and verbs, there are a few exceptions where it can be used with singular nouns and verbs:

  • Before uncountable nouns: 'some' can be used with uncountable nouns to indicate an unspecified amount of something.
  • Example: Can I have some water, please?

  • In questions and requests: 'some' can be used in questions and requests to make them more polite.
  • Example: Would you like some tea?

  • In positive statements: 'some' can be used in positive statements to indicate an unstressed, non-specific quantity.
  • Example: I have some money in my wallet.

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'some' + sing. noun + verb mistake examples

  • Incorrect:
    I think some language are more complicated than others.

    Correct:
    I think some languages are|language is more complicated than others.

  • Incorrect:
    I expect some time please her more than others.

    Correct:
    I expect some times please|time pleases her more than others.

  • Incorrect:
    Some people say that he died of hunger, some other tell that he still wanders.

    Correct:
    Some people say that he died of hunger, some others tell|other tells that he still wanders.

  • Incorrect:
    Because of this more extensive predation, some biologist have expressed concern that murres are heading...

    Correct:
    Because of this more extensive predation, some biologists have|biologist has expressed concern that murres are heading...

  • Correct:
    For example, some can accommodate the largest aircraft and other hangars cannot.
  • Correct:
    If some can contains oily water, check the pump for leaks.
  • Correct:
    This can is dirty.
  • Correct:
    I had some school stuff to do.
  • Correct:
    I had to take some time off.
  • Correct:
    Tim Berners-Lee is selling an NFT of some web source code.
  • Correct:
    Cheering crowds took to the streets on Sunday night, some set off fireworks.
  • Correct:
    We are applying some text zoom settings.
  • Correct:
    When you get some time please call me to discuss.
  • Correct:
    ... and also if you get some time please quickly drop me a line to catch up.
  • Correct:
    We have confirmation via some web site that Tenacious D will be there.
  • Correct:
    I have information from some government site about the proposed changes to the regulations.
  • Correct:
    She found the information on some blog page about cats.
  • Correct:
    I just wanted some extra quiet time.
  • Correct:
    That was some pretty cool stuff.
  • Correct:
    For some reason Sue was happy with it.
  • Correct:
    Some cell phone users.
  • Correct:
    tweak some corpus test expectations
  • Correct:
    We have already lined up some smash hit speakers including Christy Jones.
  • Correct:
    Senior management must have been in their offices rolling on the floor every time some employee spoke up about trying to make vision and values a success.
  • Correct:
    He added that some default swap selling pressure was coming from players arranging synthetic portfolio products.
  • Correct:
    Some thought black and white were the only colors.
  • Correct:
    In modern times, there is another theory that some have come to endorse.
  • Correct:
    In this way the Enron Principal enters into the PA and the ETA as an agent for any affiliate that may at some stage enter into an EnronOnline Transaction with that counterparty.
  • Correct:
    Every man would like to be God, if it were possible; some few find it difficult to admit the impossibility.
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