GV

Indefinite Pronouns

Referring to unspecified people/things: someone, anything, nobody, everywhere

intermediate

When to Use Indefinite Pronouns

  • •Some- (positive): someone, something, somewhere. Someone called you.
  • •Any- (negative/questions): anyone, anything, anywhere. Is anyone there?
  • •No- (negative meaning): nobody, nothing, nowhere. Nobody knows.
  • •Every- (all): everyone, everything, everywhere. Everyone is here.
  • •Some- in offers/requests: Would you like something to drink?

How to Form Indefinite Pronouns

Affirmative (+)

Indefinite pronoun + singular verb

Negative (-)

No- pronouns are already negative; don't add 'not'

Question (?)

Any- pronouns in questions; some- for offers

💡 All indefinite pronouns take singular verbs: Everyone is here (not are).

Examples of Indefinite Pronouns

✓Someone is at the door.

✗Someone are at the door.

Indefinite pronouns take singular verbs.

✓I don't know anyone here.

✗I don't know someone here.

Any- in negative sentences.

✓Nobody knows the answer.

✗Nobody don't know the answer.

Nobody is already negative.

Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns

💡 Practice Tips for Indefinite Pronouns

  • • Some-: positive statements, offers, requests.
  • • Any-: negatives, questions, 'if' clauses.
  • • No-: negative meaning without 'not'.
  • • Every-: all people/things/places.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.Everyone   ready for the trip.
  2. Question 2: I'm thirsty. Is there blank to drink in the fridge?
    2.I'm thirsty. Is there to drink in the fridge?
  3. 3.Would you like   to eat? I made sandwiches.
  4. Question 4: I looked everywhere but I couldn't find blank (any-) my keys.
    4.I looked everywhere but I couldn't find (any-) my keys.
  5. Question 5: blank knows the answer — the room is silent. (no-)
    5. knows the answer — the room is silent. (no-)
  6. Question 6: Be quiet! There's blank sleeping upstairs. (some-)
    6.Be quiet! There's sleeping upstairs. (some-)
  7. Question 7: I didn't tell blank your secret — I promise. (any-)
    7.I didn't tell your secret — I promise. (any-)
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