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In this lesson, we have covered all of the uses of none and how to put it in a sentence.
Functions of 'None'
1. 'None' as an Indefinite Pronoun
Use
None as an indefinite pronoun is used to replace the noun it refers to and it has a similar meaning to 'not any of a group of people or things.' Look:
I have three cars. None of them works well.
'None' refers to 'cars.'
Those old shoes are worth than none.
Position in a Sentence
None as an indefinite pronoun can act as a subject or an object in a sentence. Note that we use a singular positive verb when none is the subject. For example:
I have three cars. None of them works well.
'None' as a negative indefinite pronoun takes the singular positive verb 'works.'
None is more important than this.
Tip
It is correct to use plural verbs with none as a subject. For example:
None is/are more important than this.
Warning!
When 'none' is an indefinite pronoun, it can come with both singular and plural verbs. Since language does not have strict rules, we cannot define exact principles as to when we should use a singular verb and when we should use a plural verb. English speakers tend to use both with 'none'. Look below:
None of the speakers are working.
None of the speakers is working.
2. 'None' as an Adverb
Use
None as an adverb is used to modify comparative adjectives like worse, better, etc., to say that someone or something is not any worse, better, etc. than before. It means 'by no amount; not at all.' For example:
We had to go, but we were none the worse for it in the end.
The customers were none the wiser.
The customers were not at all wiser.
Position in a Sentence
None as an adverb is used before comparative adjectives. Take a look:
The customers were none the wiser.
'None' is before the comparative adjective.
We had to go, but we were none the worse for it in the end.
none too
None is also used before too and other adjectives to mean 'not at all.' For example:
This is none too good.
He was none too excited.
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