Indefinite Pronoun: A Guide for ESL Students

When we speak or write in English, we often talk about people or things without saying exactly who or what they are. This is when we use indefinite pronouns.

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to people, things, or places in a general or non-specific way. We use them when we don’t know exactly who or what we are talking about, or when it’s not important to say exactly.

For example:

• Someone is at the door.
• I don’t want to eat anything.
• Everything is ready.

We don’t know exactly who or what, and that’s okay.

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Common Indefinite Pronouns

Here are some common indefinite pronouns, grouped by what they refer to:

1. Referring to People:

• Someone / Somebody
• Anyone / Anybody
• No one / Nobody
• Everyone / Everybody

Examples:

• Someone left their bag here.
• Is anyone home?
• No one called me today.
• Everybody loves music.

2. Referring to Things:

• Something
• Anything
• Nothing
• Everything

Examples:

• I heard something outside.
• Do you need anything?
• There is nothing in the fridge.
• Everything is fine.

3. Referring to Places:

• Somewhere
• Anywhere
• Nowhere
• Everywhere

Examples:

• Let’s go somewhere warm.
• You can sit anywhere.
• I have nowhere to go.
• I looked everywhere, but I can’t find it.

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Rules to Remember

1. Indefinite pronouns are usually singular.
   Use singular verbs with them.
   • Everyone is here.
   • Nothing was easy.
2. Some can be plural in meaning (especially when talking about people), but we still use singular verbs.
   • Nobody knows the answer.
     (Even though “nobody” means no people, we still use “knows”, not “know”.)
3. Be careful with negatives.
   Don’t use a double negative with indefinite pronouns.
   ❌ I don’t want nothing.
   ✅ I don’t want anything.
   ✅ I want nothing.
4. Use ‘some-’ for positive and polite offers.
   • Would you like something to drink?
   • Someone is at the door.
5. Use ‘any-’ for questions and negatives.
   • Do you have anything to say?
   • I don’t see anyone here.

It is important to know the difference between SOME and ANY when studying indefinite pronouns. You can find worksheets and quizzes on this topic here:

Quick Practice

Try filling in the blanks:

1. _______ is calling you.
2. I didn’t see _______ at the party.
3. She wants to go _______ interesting.
4. _______ is ready for the trip.
5. There is _______ in the box.

Answers:

1. Someone
2. Anyone
3. Somewhere
4. Everyone
5. Nothing

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Final Tip

Don’t worry if you make mistakes with indefinite pronouns at first. With practice, you will get better. Listen to how native speakers use them, and try using them in your own sentences.

Keep practicing, and soon they will feel natural to you!