Indefinite Pronouns

Any
Anybody
Anyone
Anything

Every
Everybody
Everyone
Everything

Some
Somebody
Someone
Something

No
Nobody
No one
Nothing


We use indefinite pronouns to refer to people or things without saying exactly who or what they are.

➧ Pronouns ending in -body or -one for people.
➧ Pronouns ending in -thing for things.

People
Anyone
Everyone
Someone
No one

People
Anybody
Everybody
Somebody
Nobody

Things
Anything
Everything
Something
Nothing



We use a singular verb after an indefinite pronoun

➧ Everybody loves Sally.
➧ Everything was ready for the party.


When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun, we normally use a plural pronoun

➧ Everybody enjoyed the concert.
➧ They stood up and clapped.


➧ I will tell somebody that dinner is ready.
➧ They have been waiting a long time.


In negative clauses, we use pronouns with no-, not pronouns with any-

➧ Nobody came. ✓
➧ Anybody didn't come. ✗


We do not use another negative in a clause with nobody, no one or nothing

➧ Nobody came. ✓
➧ Nobody didn't come. ✗


➧ Nothing happened. ✓
➧ Nothing didn't happen. ✗


We can add 's to an indefinite pronoun to make a possessive

➧ They were staying in somebody's house.
➧ Is this anybody's coat?


We use else after indefinite pronouns to refer to other people or things

➧ If Michael can't come, we'll ask somebody else.
➧ I think this is somebody else's coat.


Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to any specific person, thing, or amount.
Instead, they refer to non-specific entities in a more general sense.
Let's explore them further
Types of Indefinite Pronouns


Singular

These refer to one person or thing.

anyone
someone<
nobody
anything
something
nobody
another
each
either
less
little
neither


Plural

These refer to more than one person or thing.

all
both
several
few
many
others


Singular or Plural

These can refer to either one or more than one person or thing.

all
any
none
more
most | some
enough


Quantitative

These indicate an amount or quantity without specifying exactly how much.

some
any
none
all


Qualitative

These indicate an undefined quality or characteristic.

someone
something
anyone
anything


Functions of Indefinite Pronouns


Replacing Nouns
➧ Indefinite pronouns replace nouns in sentences where the specific person or thing is not identified.

Example
➧ Someone left their umbrella behind.


Indicating Quantity
➧ Indefinite pronouns can indicate an unspecified quantity or amount.

Example
➧ Many enjoyed the performance.


Expressing Generality
➧ They express general ideas without specifying particular individuals or things.

Example
➧ Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.


Making General Statements
➧ Indefinite pronouns are used to make general statements about people, things, or situations.

Example
➧ Everybody loves a good story.


Using Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences

Indefinite pronouns are typically used in situations where the speaker wants to refer to a non-specific person, thing, or amount.
They are commonly used in sentences where the exact identity of the subject or object is not important or unknown.
It's important to match the indefinite pronoun with the appropriate verb form singular or plural depending on its meaning and context.
More Lessons ➧ Here


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