The indefinite pronouns are:
somebody |
someone |
something |
---|---|---|
anybody |
anyone |
anything |
nobody |
no one |
nothing |
everybody |
everyone |
everything |
Indefinite pronouns are used to refer to people or things without saying exactly who o
what they are. Pronouns ending in -body or -one are used for people, and pronouns ending in -thing are for or things:
- Somebody stole my car.
- Everybody enjoyed the show.
- I opened the door but there was no one at home.
- It was a very clear day. We could see everything.
- Does anyone have something that could help me?
We use a singular verb after an indefinite pronoun:
- Everybody likes Michael.
- Everything was ready for the concert.
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.
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 indefinite pronouns with no- as the subject in negative clauses (not pronouns with any.)
- Nobody came (NOT Anybody didn’t come)
We do not use another negative in a clause with nobody, no one or nothing:
- Nobody came.
- Nothing happened.
Else is usedafter indefinite pronouns to refer to people or things in addition to the ones we already mentioned.
- All the family came, but no one else.
- If John cannot go, we will ask somebody else.