Indefinite pronouns refer to people, places, or things in a general, non-specific way. They do not refer to a particular person or thing.
Indefinite Pronouns for People
| Pronoun | Meaning | Example | | ------------------ | --------------------- | ---------------------------- | | everyone | all people | Everyone is invited. | | somebody / someone | an unspecified person | Someone is at the door. | | anybody / anyone | any person | Anyone can join. | | nobody / no one | not a single person | Nobody knows the answer. |
Indefinite Pronouns for Things
| Pronoun | Meaning | Example | | ---------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------ | | everything | all things | Everything is ready. | | something | an unspecified thing | I need something to drink. | | anything | any thing | You can choose anything. | | nothing | not a single thing | Nothing matters now. |
Indefinite Pronouns for Places
| Pronoun | Meaning | Example | | ---------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------- | | everywhere | all places | I looked everywhere. | | somewhere | an unspecified place | Let's go somewhere nice. | | anywhere | any place | I can't find it anywhere. | | nowhere | no place | There is nowhere to sit. |
Singular Verb Agreement
All indefinite pronouns are grammatically singular and take singular verbs.
- Everyone is here. (not "are")
- Something is wrong. (not "are")
- Nobody knows the truth.
"Some" vs. "Any" Rule
Use some-compounds in positive sentences and any-compounds in negative sentences and questions.
| Positive | Negative / Question | | ---------------------------- | --------------------------- | | I saw someone. | I didn't see anyone. | | There is something here. | Is there anything? | | She went somewhere. | She didn't go anywhere. |
"Else" with Indefinite Pronouns
Use else after indefinite pronouns to mean "other" or "additional."
- Someone else can help you.
- Is there anything else?
- Let's go somewhere else.