What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Pronouns do not always refer to a specific person, animal, place, or thing. Sometimes, they are used to talk about something that is not clearly identified. These are called indefinite pronouns. They can be used to refer to people, things, or amounts without mentioning exactly who or what they are. These pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on how they are used in a sentence.

Definition of Indefinite Pronouns

Different dictionaries define indefinite pronouns in simple terms:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “A pronoun that does not refer to a specific person or thing.”
• Oxford Learners’ Dictionary: “A pronoun that does not refer to any person or thing in particular, like ‘anything’ or ‘everyone.’”
• Macmillan Dictionary: “A pronoun that does not point to any specific person or thing, such as ‘anybody,’ ‘everything,’ or ‘nobody.’”

Rules for Using Indefinite Pronouns

Before using these pronouns, it is important to remember a few basic rules:

1. Singular indefinite pronouns take a singular verb. (Example: Everybody is happy.)
2. Plural indefinite pronouns take a plural verb. (Example: Many are waiting outside.)
3. Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on the sentence. (Example: All is well. / All are ready.)

List of The Pronouns with Examples

Here is a list of some common indefinite pronouns along with example sentences:

Indefinite Pronoun	Example Sentence
Each	Each of the students was given a book.
Another	Another of my friends is coming to visit.
Anyone	Does anyone know the answer?
Everyone	Everyone arrived on time.
Anything	I will do anything to help you.
Everything	Everything is in place for the event.
Everybody	Everybody in the room clapped.
Nobody	Nobody was at the park this morning.
None	None of the apples are rotten.
Nothing	Nothing is impossible if you try.
Other	I prefer this one, but the other is nice too.
Somebody	Somebody knocked on the door.
Someone	Someone left their jacket behind.
Something	Something smells really good in the kitchen.
Both	Both of them agreed to the plan.
Many	Many have signed up for the competition.
Several	Several were absent today.
Any	Is there any sugar left in the jar?
All	All were excited for the trip.
Some	Some of the guests have arrived.

Using These Pronouns in Sentences

These pronouns are useful in everyday conversations and writing. Here are some more examples:

Singular Indefinite Pronouns

• • Each of the girls has a unique talent.
  • Somebody is calling you on the phone.
  • Nothing matters more than your health.

Plural Indefinite Pronouns

• • Many have tried to solve the puzzle.
  • Several were interested in the new project.
  • Few understand how hard it is to learn a new language.

Singular or Plural Indefinite Pronouns

• • All is well in the end. / All are happy with the decision.
  • Some of the cake is left. / Some of my friends are coming to visit.

Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns

Here are some errors people make when using these pronouns and how to fix them:

Using the wrong verb form

• • Everybody are excited for the trip. (Incorrect)
  • Everybody is excited for the trip. (Correct)

Confusing singular and plural forms

• • None of the books is on the table. (This is technically correct but sounds odd.)(Incorrect)
  • None of the books are on the table. (More natural in everyday English.) (Correct)

Using double negatives

• • I don’t have nothing to do. (Incorrect)
  • I don’t have anything to do. (Correct)

Conclusion

These pronouns are useful in everyday language because they help us talk about people, things, or amounts without being specific. Understanding how to use them correctly will make your speech and writing clearer and more natural. Practice using these pronouns in different sentences, and soon it will become second nature!

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct indefinite pronoun.

1. _________ left their umbrella in the classroom.
2. I have searched everywhere, but I found ____________.
3. ____________ wants to volunteer for the event?
4. He looked under the couch, but there was ____________ there.
5. We invited ____________, but not everyone could make it.
6. ____________ in the group understood the instructions.
7. There is ____________ in the fridge to eat.
8. ____________ has seen my lost keys?
9. The teacher asked ____________ to submit their assignments on time.
10. I opened the door, but there was ____________ outside.

Answers

Check your answers below:

1. Someone/somebody
2. Nothing
3. Anyone
4. Nothing
5. Everyone
6. Nobody
7. Nothing
8. Anybody
9. Everyone
10. Nobody

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is an indefinite pronoun?

Ans. An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing.

Q2. Can these pronouns be both singular and plural?

Ans. Yes, some indefinite pronouns can be used as singular or plural depending on the sentence. For example, “all,” “some,” and “none.”

Q3. What are some common indefinite pronouns?

Ans. Common indefinite pronouns include someone, anybody, everyone, nothing, all, few, several, and many.

Q4. How do I know which verb form to use with an indefinite pronoun?

Ans. Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs (“Everybody is here”), while plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs (“Many are waiting outside”).

Q5. Can “none” be singular or plural?

Ans. Yes, “none” can be used with both singular and plural verbs. Example: “None of the food is left” (singular) vs. “None of the players are injured” (plural).

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