Indefinite Pronouns

We use indefinite pronouns to refer to people or things without saying exactly who or what they are.

Pronouns ending in -body or -one for people.
Pronouns ending in -thing for things.

We use a singular verb after an indefinite pronoun:

Everybody loves Sally.
Everything was ready for the party.

When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun, we normally use a plural pronoun:

Everybody enjoyed the concert.
They stood up and clapped.

I will tell somebody that dinner is ready.
They have been waiting a long time.

In negative clauses, we use pronouns with no-, not pronouns with any-:

Nobody came. ✔
Anybody didn't come. ✖

We do not use another negative in a clause with nobody, no one or nothing:

Nobody came. ✔
Nobody didn't come. ✖

Nothing happened. ✔
Nothing didn't happen. ✖

We can add 's to an indefinite pronoun to make a possessive:

They were staying in somebody's house.
Is this anybody's coat?

We use else after indefinite pronouns to refer to other people or things:

If Michael can't come, we'll ask somebody else.
I think this is somebody else's coat.

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to any specific person, thing, or amount. Instead, they refer to non-specific entities in a more general sense. Let's explore them further:

Types of Indefinite Pronouns:

1. Singular: These refer to one person or thing.

Examples:


2. Plural: These refer to more than one person or thing.

Examples:


3. Singular or Plural: These can refer to either one or more than one person or thing.

Examples:


4. Quantitative: These indicate an amount or quantity without specifying exactly how much.

Examples:


5. Qualitative: These indicate an undefined quality or characteristic.

Examples:

Functions of Indefinite Pronouns:

Replacing Nouns:
Indefinite pronouns replace nouns in sentences where the specific person or thing is not identified.

Example:
Someone left their umbrella behind.

Indicating Quantity:
Indefinite pronouns can indicate an unspecified quantity or amount.

Example:
Many enjoyed the performance.

Expressing Generality:
They express general ideas without specifying particular individuals or things.

Examples:
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Making General Statements:
Indefinite pronouns are used to make general statements about people, things, or situations.

Example:
Everybody loves a good story.

Using Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences:

Indefinite pronouns are typically used in situations where the speaker wants to refer to a non-specific person, thing, or amount.

They are commonly used in sentences where the exact identity of the subject or object is not important or unknown.

It's important to match the indefinite pronoun with the appropriate verb form singular or plural depending on its meaning and context.