The above instances are to be distinguished from the adjective any, which is plural as often as singular.
None usually plural.
424. The adjective pronoun none is, in the prose of the present day, usually plural, although it is historically a contraction of ne ān (not one). Examples of its use are,—
In earnest, if ever man was; as none of the French philosophers were.—Carlyle.
None of Nature's powers do better service.—Prof. Dana
One man answers some question which none of his contemporaries put, and is isolated.—Emerson.
None obey the command of duty so well as those who are free from the observance of slavish bondage.—Scott.
Do you think, when I spoke anon of the ghosts of Pryor's children, I mean that any of them are dead? None are, that I know of.—Thackeray.
Early apples begin to be ripe about the first of August; but I think none of them are so good to eat as some to smell.—Thoreau.