Nobody Is or Are? Which Is Correct?
Quick Answer
"Nobody is" is correct. "Nobody" is grammatically singular and takes singular verbs.
Why Is "Nobody" Singular?
Nobody = no single body (person) = not any person
"Nobody" refers to zero people, but grammatically it functions as a singular pronoun. Think of it as negating "somebody" - and "somebody" is singular too.
Rule: Indefinite pronouns ending in -body, -one, or -thing are always singular, including negative ones: nobody, no one, nothing.
Examples
✔Nobody is perfect.
✘Nobody are perfect.
✔Nobody was home when I called.
✘Nobody were home when I called.
✔Nobody knows the trouble I've seen.
✔Nobody has the answer.
✔Nobody wants to fail.
Nobody vs No One
"Nobody" and "no one" mean the same thing and both take singular verbs:
- • Nobody is here. = No one is here.
- • Nobody knows. = No one knows.
- • Nobody was hurt. = No one was hurt.
"No one" is slightly more formal than "nobody."
Practice
Choose the correct verb:
"Nobody _____ what the future holds." (knows/know)