Indefinite pronouns
If you do not know about the name of the noun, gender of the noun, quantity of the noun, or even qualify for the noun. Then what you are supposed to use in place of a noun? The answer is, we use indefinite pronouns. What are indefinite Pronouns? They are the words used in place of unknown nouns. Like:
- Someone is knocking on the door.
- I want to go somewhere.
- I want to drink a little water.
- There is nobody in the room.
- There is not anybody in the car.
- There is nothing in the car.
The indefinite pronouns are used in place of unknown/ uncertain nouns (person, things & place). Some common indefinite pronouns are mostly used in our conversations.
Some, Little, few, all, another, any, anybody, anyone, anything, each, everybody, everyone, everything, few, many, nobody, none, one, several, somebody & someone.
Indefinite Pronouns meaning and examples.
| Indefinite Pronouns | Example within sentences | Used for noun |
|---|---|---|
| Someone | Someone is climbing the wall. | Person. (more formal) |
| Somebody | I drank a little water after food. | person (less formal) |
| Something | She has something in the packet. | things |
| Somewhere | I want to go somewhere. | Place. |
| Some | Some of the papers are checked. | amount(countable) |
| Some | I want to drink some water. | amount (uncountable) |
| Less | There is less water in the jug. | amount (uncountable) |
| Few | Few students could pass the class. | Countable nouns. |
| Fewer | A fewer number of people recite holy books. | Countable nouns (number) |
| Little | Either John or Kamran should come. | Amount (uncountable) |
| Much | There is too much noise. | A large amount. |
| Enough | It is enough, don’t shout anymore. | As much is required. |
| another | Additional/different person or thing. | She needs another pen to write. |
| Either | Many things remain to do. | From two one. |
| Each | Each of them could ride the horse. | Everyone from two or more people. |
| Neither | I don’t need either of them. | Used for two; none of them. |
| Both | They fired both of the workers. | For two persons. |
| Any | Any of the men could come forward. | For quantity. |
| All | All the people are present in the hall. | Quantity |
| Anything | Is there anything in the car? | Things. |
| Many | Many things are remaining to do. | Quantity of nouns. |
| More | More than 10 people should come in. | Greater number of nouns. |
| Most | He is the most beautiful girl. | Above all. |
| None | None of my friends came to the party. | Not any. |
| Several | Several times, we requested him to join the group. | More than two |
| Anyone | Anyone can speak English in the class. | Person. No one. |
Reflexive pronouns, demonstrative pronouns
Important notes.
Indefinite pronouns take singular verbs. For instance: Someone is knocking on the door. Who is there? Tell them to come in. Now we have used ‘tell them to come in. The pronoun ‘them’ is used, because we do not the gender and number of the noun. Check out more examples.
- Everyone has come to the party.
- No one has brought a gift for me.
- Each person has a bag.
- None of the students has a card.
But the plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs if the number is obvious.
Like:
- All the people are present.
- Some of them are intelligent.
- Many people have come into the room.
- Several workers are doing good activity.
Somebody and someone are used in positive statements, offer sentences, and request sentences.
Example:
- Somebody is trying to lock the door. (positive statement)
- Someone has boiled the eggs. (positive statement)
- Can you see someone? (request)
- Could you send someone? (offer)
Anyone and anybody are used for negative and interrogative sentences.
- I can’t see anybody in the car.
- They could not find anyone.
- Can anyone come in?
Nobody is used without the word ‘do not because it is a negative word.
- I saw nobody in the car.
- Nobody has acted.