Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things without specifying exactly who or what they are. Words like someone, everything, and nobody are among the most common in everyday English.
What are indefinite pronouns?
An indefinite pronoun does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. They are formed by combining some-, any-, every-, or no- with -one, -body, or -thing.
The main indefinite pronouns
| Group | People | People | Things |
|---|---|---|---|
| some- | someone | somebody | something |
| any- | anyone | anybody | anything |
| every- | everyone | everybody | everything |
| no- | no one | nobody | nothing |
When to use some- vs. any-
This is one of the most important distinctions for learners.
- Use some- in affirmative (positive) sentences and in offers/requests where you expect "yes".
- Use any- in negative sentences and most questions.
Someone knocked on the door. (affirmative)
Is anyone home? (question)
There isn't anything left. (negative)
Would you like something to eat? (offer — expect "yes")
No- pronouns and double negatives
No- pronouns (nobody, nothing, no one) are already negative. Do not use them with another negative word like not — this creates an incorrect double negative.
✗ I don't know nothing about it.
✓ I know nothing about it.
✓ I don't know anything about it.
Subject–verb agreement
All indefinite pronouns ending in -one, -body, and -thing are grammatically singular, even when the meaning feels plural. They take a singular verb.
Everyone is welcome. (not "are")
Nobody knows the answer.
Something smells delicious.
Other common indefinite pronouns
| Pronoun | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both | the two (plural) | Both were correct. |
| each | every one separately | Each has its own role. |
| either | one of two | Either is fine with me. |
| neither | not one of two | Neither was suitable. |
| few / a few | small number | A few stayed behind. |
| many | large number | Many have tried. |
| several | more than two | Several were missing. |
| all / most / none | quantity | None of it matters. |
Tip: Someone and somebody mean exactly the same thing — somebody is slightly more informal. The same applies to anyone/anybody, everyone/everybody, and no one/nobody.