Someone Is or Someone Are? Which One Is Correct
Quick Answer
The correct form is "someone is."
"Someone" is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it always takes the singular verb "is."
Explanation
Someone is an indefinite pronoun that refers to an unspecified person. Even though we don't know who the person is, grammatically it refers to one individual, making it singular.
Rule: Someone/Somebody/Anyone/Anybody + singular verb (is/has/does)
Similar indefinite pronouns that follow this rule:
- someone, somebody
- anyone, anybody
- everyone, everybody
- no one, nobody
Examples
✔Someone is knocking at the door.
✔Someone has left their keys on the table.
✔Is someone waiting for you?
✘Someone are knocking at the door.
Common Mistake
Incorrect: Someone are looking for you.
Correct: Someone is looking for you.
Practice
Fix the sentence:
"Someone have called while you were out."