Course on Indefinite Pronouns - TOEIC® Preparation
Indefinite pronouns are words that replace or represent people, objects, or quantities in a non-specific manner.
They generally indicate a number or a type of people or objects without naming them precisely.
For example, in « Someone is at the door », the indefinite pronoun someone replaces the person whose identity is unknown.
- Somebody called me last night, but they didn't leave a message.
- Nothing is impossible if you work hard.
1. Classification of Indefinite Pronouns
There are several categories of indefinite pronouns in English. Here are the main ones:
- Indefinite pronouns composed of :
- some- : someone, somebody, something
- any- : anyone, anybody, anything
- no- : no one, nobody, nothing
- every- : everyone, everybody, everything
- Indefinite pronouns of quantity
- some, any, no, none, all, most, many, few, several, etc.
- Other related indefinite pronouns and adverbs
- somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, everywhere (indicate an unspecified place)
2. Indefinite Pronouns in some-, any-, no- and every-
A. Indefinite Pronouns somebody, someone, something
- Somebody and someone are interchangeable. They are both used to talk about a person we don't know or don't want to name.
- Somebody is knocking at the door.
- I need someone to help me with this computer problem.
- Something refers to a thing (or an object) that we cannot (or do not want to) name precisely.
- There is something in my eye.
B. Indefinite Pronouns Anybody, Anyone, Anything
- Anybody and Anyone are also interchangeable. They are generally used in interrogative and negative sentences, or to indicate « anyone » in an affirmative sentence.
- Is there anybody who can drive me to the airport?
- I can't see anyone in the room.
- Anybody can learn to cook if they practice.
- Anything refers to an undefined object in an interrogative or negative sentence.
- I don't want anything right now, thank you.
- Did you buy anything special at the store?
C. Indefinite Pronouns Nobody, No one, Nothing
- Nobody and No one (no one is written in two words, never noone.)
- Nobody knows the answer to this question.
- No one called while you were out.
- Nothing
- There is nothing to do in this town at night.
- I have nothing more to say.
D. Indefinite Pronouns Everybody, Everyone, Everything
- Everybody and Everyone
- Everybody is happy about the news.
- Everyone wants to be successful.
- Everything
- Everything is ready for the trip.
- He lost everything in the fire.
E. Special Case of These Indefinite Pronouns
Although words like everyone, everybody, anybody, nobody… refer to a group of people (or a group of objects, things, etc.), we use a singular verb:
- Everyone is invited to the party.
- Everyone is ready.
- Nobody knows what happened.
- Somebody has left the door open.
3. Indefinite Pronouns of Quantity
These pronouns refer to an indefinite quantity or number of people or things.
A. Indefinite Pronouns Some, Any, No, None
- Some is used in affirmative sentences and in questions expecting a positive answer.
- I have some ideas to improve the project.
- Would you like some cake?
- Any
- Do you have any questions?
- I don't have any money left.
- Any student can participate in the contest.
- No: Mainly used to form affirmative sentences with a negative meaning (instead of not any).
- I have no time to waste.
- There is no reason to worry.
- None: can be used alone.
- I asked for more details, but none were provided.
- None of the students has finished the test yet.
B. Indefinite Pronouns All, Most, Many, Few, Several
- All
- All of the apples are ripe.
- All is well that ends well.
- Most
- Most people prefer coffee in the morning.
- Many: Refers to a large number of people or things (countable).
- Many students find English grammar challenging.
- Few (countable).
- Few people attended the lecture.
- Several
- Several friends came to visit me yesterday.
C. Indefinite Pronouns in where (indefinite place)
Even though they are often classified as adverbs of place, they can be considered as indefinite expressions:
- Somewhere (affirmative or neutral sentence).
- I think I left my keys somewhere in the house.
- Anywhere
- I can't find my phone anywhere.
- You can go anywhere you want for the holidays.
- Nowhere
- There is nowhere to park in this area.
- Everywhere
- I've looked everywhere for my wallet.
4. Agreement and Usage Rules
- Pronouns such as everyone, somebody, nobody, etc. are constructed with a singular verb.
- Everyone is ready.
- Somebody has left the door open.
- "They" as a neutral pronoun: when using someone, anyone, nobody, etc. and not wanting to specify the gender (male or female), these singular pronouns can be followed by they / them / their.
- Someone left their umbrella in my car.
- If anybody calls, tell them I'll call back.
- Be careful with negation : in English, we avoid double negation. We don't write I don't have nothing, but:
- I don't have anything. (or)
- I have nothing.
Conclusion
Indefinite pronouns in English are very useful for expressing ideas without specifying exactly the person, thing, or quantity. They facilitate communication when speaking generally or ignoring certain details. Choosing the right indefinite pronoun allows for more precision and avoids unnecessary repetition.