Indefinite pronouns are words that do not refer to any specific person, thing, or amount. They help us avoid repetition in our sentences, making our language more efficient and dynamic. These little words play a crucial role in our language by replacing nouns and adding a sense of mystery to our sentences. Most of the time, the referred-to object is identified elsewhere in the sentence or doesn’t need to be precisely identified.
Many of the most common indefinite pronouns are formed by combining the prefixes every-, any-, some-, and no- with the roots –thing, –one, and –body.
Any and some can also stand alone as indefinite pronouns.
1. The ones that indicate All
Everyone: Everyone in the class passed the exam.
Everybody: Everybody loves pizza.
Everywhere: We searched everywhere for the missing keys.
Everything: Before moving, pack everything carefully.
All: All the students completed their assignments on time.
2. The ones that indicate that something or someone is being singled out from a group
Each: In the classroom, each student has a unique perspective on the topic.
Either: You can choose either the red shirt or the blue one for the party.
Neither: Neither of the restaurants in this area serves vegetarian dishes.
3. The ones that indicate an infinite range of possibilities
Anyone: Is there anyone who can help with the computer issue?
Anybody: Anybody can join the gardening club; no experience is necessary.
Anywhere: You can find good food anywhere in the city.
Anything: I'm open to trying anything on the menu.
Any: Feel free to ask any questions during the presentation.
4. The ones that refer to a single, unspecified or unknown person or thing.
Someone: I heard someone knocking on the door; can you please check who it is?
Somebody: Somebody left their umbrella in the cafeteria; it's by the entrance
Somewhere: I want to go somewhere warm for my vacation, maybe a tropical island.
Something: I need something to write with; do you have a pen?
5. The ones that indicate absence
Nobody: Nobody knew the answer to the riddle; it stumped the entire class.
No One: No one expected the surprise party; it was a well-kept secret.
None: None of the students passed the challenging exam.
Nowhere: I searched everywhere, but the lost keys were nowhere to be found.
Nothing: There's nothing in the refrigerator; we need to go grocery shopping.
6. The ones that refer to general amounts and quantities
All: All of the sugar is gone.
Some: Some of the information is confidential.
Many: Many of the students passed the test.
Few: Few of the books are available on the shelf.
Several: Several of the cookies were eaten.
Most: Most of the time, he arrives early.
None: None of the fruit is ripe yet.
More: We need more of these supplies.
Enough: There is enough for everyone.
Plenty: There's plenty for us to share.
NOTE: We can use anybody or anyone - the meaning is the same. It's also true for someone, no-one and everyone
1. Subject-Verb agreement
An indefinite pronoun is the subject of a sentence, you need to know whether it is singular or plural so that you can be sure it’s in subject-verb agreement with the sentence’s verb.
Common singular indefinite pronouns. Somebody, Someone, Something, Anyone, Anything, Everybody, Everyone, Everything, Nobody, No one, Nothing.
Common plural indefinite pronouns: Some, Many, Several, Few, All, Both, Fewer, Many, Others.
Some indefinite pronouns can be both singular and plural:
All singular: All of the cake is gone
All plural: All the students have completed their assignments.
None singular: None of the information is accurate.
None plural: None of the students have arrived yet.
2. Double Negatives
Watch out for double negatives when combining indefinite pronouns with negative words.
"Nobody wants anything" instead of "Nobody doesn't want anything."
"She wanted to buy a black coat, but none was available at the shop." instead of "She wanted to buy a blck coat, but none wasn't available at the shop."
3. Negative sentences
Negative sentences can only be formed with the indefinite pronouns that include any.
I don't have anything to drink.
She didn't go anywhere last weekend.
I can't find anyone to dance with me.
4. Anyone or Someone?
Which one is correct: Can anyone hlep me with the project? or can someone help me with the project?
Actually you can use both, there is a subtle difference in emphasis.
Anybody: This choice implies an open invitation to anyone who is available or willing to help. It suggests a broader range of possibilities and is often used in situations where the specific identity of the helper is not as important.
Somebody: This choice implies a specific person or someone in particular. It suggests a narrower focus on finding assistance from an individual rather than just anyone.
5. Anyone/Anybody or Everyone/Everybody?
What's the difference?
Anyone means anybody or any person. It refers to an individual in a group; which one doesn’t matter. Anyone is the usual choice in negative statements and in questions.
Everyone means everybody or every person. It refers to all the members in a group.
In some contexts, there is very little difference between anyone and everyone:
Correct: Anyone can learn a new language with dedication.
Correct: Everyone can learn a new language with dedication.
Sometimes they are not interchangeable:
A. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate indefinite pronoun.
_____________ forgot to turn off the lights in the classroom.
We're having a party, and we hope that _____________ will join us.
_____________ in the office has access to the confidential files.
I need help with my project; can _____________ assist me with it?
She wants to live __________ by the sea (in a certain place).
She put ___________in the box, all the things that she had.
Does ___________have a phone charger? (I don't know if a person has a charger or not.)
(1. someone; 2.everyone/everybody; 3.no one/nobody; 4. anyone/someone; 5. anywhere; 6. everything; 7. anyone/someone)
B.Identify and correct the error in the following sentences related to indefinite pronouns.
"Everybody have their own opinion, and that's okay."
"Nobody are interested in going to the museum."
"Anybody are welcome to join the chess club."
"Somebody know where the car keys are?"
(1. has his; 2. is; 3. is; 4.knows)
Indefinite pronouns may be a little tricky at first, but with a bit of exploration and practice, you'll soon manage to use this with ease. So go ahead, dig the world of indefinite pronouns, these will help you to enhance your language skills.