Indefinite pronouns refer to people, things or places without saying exactly which. They are made from some-, any-, no-, every- plus -one / -body, -thing, -where. They take a singular verb even when they mean many people (everyone is, not everyone are).
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| some- (positive) · any- (questions, negatives) · no- (negative meaning) · every- (all) | someone, anyone, no one, everyone |
| -one / -body (people) · -thing (things) · -where (places) | somebody, nothing, anywhere, everywhere |
When to use it
- Some- in positive sentences and offers: Would you like something to drink?
- Any- in questions and negatives: I didn't see anyone. Did you find anything?
- No- with a positive verb: Nobody came. (not Nobody didn't come)
- Every- for all: Everybody likes music.
- Adjectives come after: something interesting, someone nice.
Examples
- Someone is knocking at the door.
- I don't have anything to wear.
- Is there anybody here?
- Nobody knows the answer.
- Everything is ready.
- Let's go somewhere quiet.
Common mistakes
- Double negative: I don't know nothing → I don't know anything / I know nothing.
- A plural verb: Everyone are happy → Everyone is happy.
- Adjective before: interesting something → something interesting.