Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Indefinite Pronouns?
- List of Indefinite Pronouns
- Using Indefinite Pronouns Correctly
- Singular vs. Plural Indefinite Pronouns
- Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns
- Indefinite Pronouns Exercises
- Answers
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on indefinite pronouns in English! Indefinite pronouns refer to people, places, or things in a general way without specifying exactly who or what they are. They are important for speaking and writing when the identity of the subject is not known or is not specific. Mastering indefinite pronouns will improve your fluency and clarity in English.
This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explain what indefinite pronouns are, provide a list of them, discuss how to use them correctly, and point out the difference between singular and plural indefinite pronouns. We’ll also highlight common mistakes and offer exercises to help you practice. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using indefinite pronouns in your everyday English conversations and writing.
What Are Indefinite Pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that refer to people, places, things, or amounts in a non-specific way. They do not refer to any particular person, place, or thing but instead are used to talk about things more generally.
- Someone is waiting for you at the door.
- Is there anything to eat?
- Everyone loves a good story.
List of Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns are often divided into categories based on whether they refer to people, things, or places. Here are some common indefinite pronouns:
Indefinite Pronouns Referring to People
- Everyone
- Someone
- Anyone
- No one
- Everybody
- Somebody
- Anybody
- Nobody
Indefinite Pronouns Referring to Things
- Everything
- Something
- Anything
- Nothing
Indefinite Pronouns Referring to Places
- Everywhere
- Somewhere
- Anywhere
- Nowhere
Using Indefinite Pronouns Correctly
Indefinite pronouns can be used as the subject or object of a sentence. They are particularly useful when the exact person, place, or thing is not known or not important.
Examples:
- Someone left their umbrella here.
- Did you see anything suspicious?
- Nobody knows the answer to that question.
Singular vs. Plural Indefinite Pronouns
Most indefinite pronouns are singular, but some can be plural. It is important to use the correct verb form depending on whether the indefinite pronoun is singular or plural.
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Singular indefinite pronouns take a singular verb.
- Everyone is invited to the party.
- Something was wrong with the engine.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns
Plural indefinite pronouns take a plural verb.
- Both are correct answers.
- Many have tried to solve the puzzle.
Indefinite Pronouns That Can Be Singular or Plural
Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the context.
- All of the cake is gone. (singular)
- All of the students are present. (plural)
Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns
1. Using a Plural Verb with a Singular Indefinite Pronoun
❌ Everybody know the answer.
✅ Everybody knows the answer.
Tip: Use singular verbs with singular indefinite pronouns like “everybody” and “someone.”
2. Confusing “No One” and “None”
❌ None of them came to the meeting.
✅ No one came to the meeting.
Tip: “No one” refers to people, while “none” can refer to both people and things.
3. Using Double Negatives with Indefinite Pronouns
❌ I don’t know nothing.
✅ I don’t know anything.
Tip: Avoid using double negatives like “don’t” and “nothing” together; instead, use “anything” with “don’t.”
4. Incorrect Agreement with Plural Indefinite Pronouns
❌ Both of them is happy.
✅ Both of them are happy.
Tip: Use plural verbs with plural indefinite pronouns like “both” and “many.”
Indefinite Pronouns Exercises
Now it’s time to practice! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding of indefinite pronouns.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Indefinite Pronoun
Select the correct indefinite pronoun to complete each sentence.
- ______ is at home right now. (Somebody/Anybody)
- I need to find ______ to help me. (something/someone)
- There’s ______ in the fridge. (nothing/anything)
- Did ______ call me while I was out? (someone/anyone)
- ______ is going well. (Everything/Nothing)
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Indefinite Pronoun
Complete the sentences with the appropriate indefinite pronoun.
- She doesn’t want to go ______ this weekend.
- ______ of the students have completed their homework.