CONTENT
Indefinite pronouns are used to talk about general things instead of referring to a specific thing, person, place. Indefinite pronouns in English grammar include something/somebody, anything/anybody, everything/everybody and nothing/nobody.
Example
Explanation
Everything looks different.
Everything is an indefinite pronoun.
Usage
Rule 1: We use the indefinite pronouns that end in -thing to refer to things, and the indefinite pronouns that end in -body or -one to refer to people.
Example
Explanation
There is nothing left in the fridge. Can anybody make a grocery list?
Nothing is an indefinite pronoun that refers to things in the fridge; anybody is an indefinite pronoun that refers to a random person.
Rule 2: Depending on the purpose, we can use every-, some-, any-, or no- when referring to people, things, or places.
Here is a short overview to help you understand the difference between every-, some-, any-, no-:
| Indefinite Pronoun | Usage |
|---|---|
| everything / everybody / everyone | every individual in a group, all together |
| something / somebody / someone | an unspecified person or thing |
| anything / anybody / anyone | one random person of a group, one random thing / in negative sentences / in questions if there is something/someone |
| nothing / nobody / no one | not one single thing or person |
| Indefinite Pronoun | Usage |
|---|---|
| everything / everybody / everyone | every individual in a group, all together |
| something / somebody / someone | an unspecified person or thing |
| anything / anybody / anyone | one random person of a group, one random thing / in negative sentences / in questions if there is something/someone |
| nothing / nobody / no one | not one single thing or person |
Rule 3: We can use not anything / anybody / anyone instead of nothing / nobody / no one.
Example
Explanation
I can hear nothing.
I cannot hear anything.
Indefinite pronouns nothing and not anything are used interchangeably.
Rule 4: We use any- when referring to any person or thing in a group, but we use every- if we refer to every single individual or the entire group together.
Example
Explanation
I will have anything for breakfast: cereals, toast, or just a cup of coffee. But I want everyone to join me: my mom and dad, as well as my sister.
Anything refers to any type of breakfast (cereal, toast, OR coffee), while everybody refers to entire family together (mom, dad, AND sister).
Rule 5: As the indefinite pronouns that end in -body or -one indicate a person, we use the third person plural when we replace them with personal or possessive pronouns.
Example
Explanation
Everybody knows their birthday.
Everybody is the indefinite pronoun that indicates a person, so we replace it with the possessive pronoun their.
Note: The indefinite pronouns that end in -thing do not refer to people and are therefore replaced with the pronoun it.
Example
Explanation
Everything looks the way it used to.
Everything is the indefinite pronoun that doesn't refer to a person, so we replace it with the pronoun it.
Quiz
1/4
Choose the right indefinite pronoun. I hope to finish ___ on time.
0
correct answers.