Indefinite Pronouns helps you communicate about unknown, non-specific or total reference. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can refer to non-specific people, things and quantities with indefinite pronouns.
- Recognise and build the form: some/any/no/every + one/body/thing; one/ones; none.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Indefinite Pronouns for unknown, non-specific or total reference. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Someone left a message for you.
Use 'someone' in an affirmative statement about an unidentified person.
Did anyone call while I was out?
Use 'anyone' in a neutral question about an unidentified person.
There is nothing in the box; it is empty.
'Nothing' means not one thing and makes the clause negative in meaning.
some/any/no/every + one/body/thing; one/ones; noneKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'someone' in an affirmative statement about an unidentified person.
- Use 'anyone' in a neutral question about an unidentified person.
- 'Nothing' means not one thing and makes the clause negative in meaning.
- 'Everyone' refers to all people and takes a singular verb.
- Use 'something' in an affirmative request for an unspecified thing.
Common mistakes
Not:Anyone left a message for you.
Use:Someone left a message for you.
Use 'someone' in an affirmative statement about an unidentified person.
Not:Did someone call while I was out?
Use:Did anyone call while I was out?
Use 'anyone' in a neutral question about an unidentified person.
Not:There is something in the box; it is empty.
Use:There is nothing in the box; it is empty.
'Nothing' means not one thing and makes the clause negative in meaning.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
____ knows the answer; we all studied it.
Everyone
'Everyone' refers to all people and takes a singular verb.
I need ____ to write with.
something
Use 'something' in an affirmative request for an unspecified thing.
None of the information ____ correct.
is
'Information' is uncountable, so the verb is singular after 'none of'.