Indefinite pronouns are essential components of the English language, allowing us to refer to nonspecific persons or things. Mastering their usage is crucial for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to indefinite pronouns, covering their definition, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use indefinite pronouns in your writing and speech.
By the end, you’ll be able to use these pronouns naturally and with confidence—whether you’re writing, speaking, or just trying to make sense of them when you hear them. Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Indefinite Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Indefinite Pronouns
- Examples of Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences
- Usage Rules for Indefinite Pronouns
- Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to a specific person, place, thing, or idea. They are used when the identity of the noun is unknown, unimportant, or unnecessary to specify.
Mastering indefinite pronouns is crucial for clear and effective communication, allowing you to express general ideas without being overly specific. This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of indefinite pronouns, their various forms, and the rules governing their usage, ensuring you can confidently and accurately incorporate them into your writing and speech.
Definition of Indefinite Pronouns
An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that refers to a nonspecific person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike personal pronouns (e.g., he, she, it), which refer to specific individuals or objects, indefinite pronouns refer to general or unspecified entities. They allow us to make statements about groups or quantities without needing to identify each member individually. Indefinite pronouns can function as subjects, objects, or complements within a sentence.
Indefinite pronouns can be classified based on their meaning and grammatical behavior. Some are singular (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody), some are plural (e.g., both, few, several), and some can be either singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., all, some, none). Understanding these distinctions is essential for correct subject-verb agreement and pronoun reference.
Structural Breakdown
Indefinite pronouns can be single words (e.g., everyone) or compound words formed with prefixes or suffixes (e.g., anybody, something). The structure of an indefinite pronoun often indicates its meaning and grammatical properties.
Many indefinite pronouns are formed using the prefixes some-, any-, every-, and no-, combined with the suffixes -one, -body, and -thing. For example, someone, anybody, everything, and nothing. These compound pronouns generally refer to people (-one, -body) or things (-thing).
The grammatical number (singular or plural) of an indefinite pronoun affects verb conjugation and pronoun agreement. Singular indefinite pronouns require singular verbs, while plural indefinite pronouns require plural verbs.
Indefinite pronouns that can be either singular or plural require careful consideration of the context to determine the correct verb form.
Types of Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns can be categorized into several types based on their form and function:
All, Every, Some, Any and Their Compounds
This category includes indefinite pronouns formed with all, every, some, and any, along with their compounds. These pronouns often express quantity or existence.
Examples include: all, every, everyone, everybody, everything, some, someone, somebody, something, any, anyone, anybody, anything.
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
These indefinite pronouns always take a singular verb and refer to a single, unspecified person or thing.
Examples include: another, each, either, neither, one, other, everyone, everybody, everything, someone, somebody, something, anyone, anybody, anything, no one, nobody, nothing.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns
These indefinite pronouns always take a plural verb and refer to multiple, unspecified persons or things.
Examples include: both, few, many, several, others.
Dependent Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the context. These pronouns often refer to a quantity or portion of something.
Examples include: all, any, more, most, none, some. The number depends on the noun in the prepositional phrase that follows.
Examples of Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences
To illustrate the usage of indefinite pronouns, here are examples organized by category:
Examples with All, Every, Some, Any
The following table provides examples of indefinite pronouns using “all,” “every,” “some,” and “any.” It includes example sentences to demonstrate how these pronouns are used to refer to nonspecific quantities or existences.
| Indefinite Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| All | All of the students passed the exam. |
| Every | Every seat in the theater was occupied. |
| Everyone | Everyone is welcome to attend the party. |
| Everybody | Everybody enjoyed the concert last night. |
| Everything | Everything is going to be alright. |
| Some | Some of the cake was eaten. |
| Someone | Someone left their umbrella in the office. |
| Somebody | Somebody needs to take out the trash. |
| Something | Something smells delicious in the kitchen. |
| Any | Is there any milk left in the fridge? |
| Anyone | Anyone can learn to play the guitar with practice. |
| Anybody | Did anybody see my keys? |
| Anything | Is there anything I can do to help? |
| All | All that glitters is not gold. |
| Every | Every dog has its day. |
| Everyone | Everyone should have access to clean water. |
| Everybody | Everybody deserves a second chance. |
| Everything | Everything happens for a reason. |
| Some | Some people prefer coffee over tea. |
| Someone | Someone is knocking at the door. |
| Somebody | Somebody call a doctor! |
| Something | Something tells me this is a bad idea. |
| Any | Do you have any questions? |
| Anyone | Anyone who wants to join is welcome. |
| Anybody | Anybody can make a mistake. |
| Anything | Anything is possible if you believe. |
| Every | Every little thing is going to be alright. |
Examples with Singular Indefinite Pronouns
The following table provides examples of sentences using singular indefinite pronouns. Notice how the verb agrees with the singular pronoun.
| Indefinite Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Another | I’ll have another piece of cake, please. |
| Each | Each of the students received a certificate. |
| Either | Either of the options is acceptable to me. |
| Neither | Neither of the candidates is qualified for the job. |
| One | One must always strive for excellence. |
| Other | The report stated that other information was available. |
| Everyone | Everyone in the class is excited about the field trip. |
| Everybody | Everybody needs to bring their own lunch. |
| Everything | Everything is ready for the presentation. |
| Someone | Someone has been using my computer without permission. |
| Somebody | Somebody should answer the phone. |
| Something | Something needs to be done about the pollution problem. |
| Anyone | Anyone who is interested can sign up for the workshop. |
| Anybody | Anybody can learn to code if they put in the effort. |
| Anything | Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. |
| No one | No one knows the answer to that question. |
| Nobody | Nobody was injured in the accident. |
| Nothing | Nothing seems to be working properly today. |
| Another | Would you like another cup of tea? |
| Each | Each participant will receive a gift. |
| Either | Either choice is fine with me. |
| Neither | Neither option is very appealing. |
| One | One cannot simply ignore the problem. |
| Other | I have other plans for the evening. |
| Everyone | Everyone is invited to the party. |
| Everybody | Everybody loves ice cream. |
Examples with Plural Indefinite Pronouns
The following table provides examples of sentences using plural indefinite pronouns. Note that the verb agrees with the plural pronoun.
| Indefinite Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Both | Both of my parents are teachers. |
| Few | Few people attended the meeting. |
| Many | Many are called, but few are chosen. |
| Several | Several students failed the test. |
| Others | Some prefer coffee, while others prefer tea. |
| Both | Both cars are red. |
| Few | Few understand the complexities of quantum physics. |
| Many | Many have tried, but few have succeeded. |
| Several | Several books were missing from the library. |
| Others | Some people enjoy hiking, others prefer swimming. |
| Both | Both of them are going to the concert. |
| Few | Few of the applicants were qualified for the position. |
| Many | Many of the trees in the forest are hundreds of years old. |
| Several | Several of the guests arrived late. |
| Others | Some like the beach, others prefer mountains. |
| Both | Both of my sisters are doctors. |
| Few | Few people know the real story. |
| Many | Many opportunities are available if you look for them. |
| Several | Several attempts were made to fix the issue. |
| Others | Some prefer the city, others love the countryside. |
Examples with Dependent Indefinite Pronouns
The following table displays examples of indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural depending on the context. Pay attention to the noun in the prepositional phrase following the pronoun to determine the correct verb agreement.
| Indefinite Pronoun | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| All | All of the milk is gone. | All of the cookies are gone. |
| Any | Any of the information is helpful. | Any of the books are acceptable. |
| More | More of the water is needed. | More of the volunteers are required. |
| Most | Most of the work is done. | Most of the students are present. |
| None | None of the food was wasted. | None of the apples were rotten. |
| Some | Some of the money is missing. | Some of the tickets are still available. |
| All | All of the sugar is used. | All of the grapes are ripe. |
| Any | Any of the advice is useful. | Any of the suggestions are welcome. |
| More | More of the land is cultivated. | More of the crops are harvested. |
| Most | Most of the effort is appreciated. | Most of the participants are enthusiastic. |
| None | None of the damage was intentional. | None of the windows were broken. |
| Some | Some of the truth is revealed. | Some of the answers are incorrect. |
| All | All of the paint is needed. | All of the tools are required. |
| Any | Any of the help is appreciated. | Any of the complaints are valid. |
| More | More of the time is spent working. | More of the employees are needed. |
| Most | Most of the time is valuable. | Most of the events are fun. |
| None | None of the information is correct. | None of the facts are verifiable. |
| Some | Some of the information is private. | Some of the documents are missing. |
Usage Rules for Indefinite Pronouns
Using indefinite pronouns correctly requires adherence to specific grammatical rules. These rules primarily concern subject-verb agreement and pronoun agreement.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. With indefinite pronouns, this means that singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs, and plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs.
Dependent indefinite pronouns can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on the noun in the following prepositional phrase.
For example:
- Everyone is happy. (Singular)
- Few are interested. (Plural)
- All of the cake is delicious. (Singular)
- All of the cookies are delicious. (Plural)
Pronoun Agreement
Pronoun agreement requires that a pronoun agree in number and gender with its antecedent (the noun or pronoun it refers to). When using indefinite pronouns, this can sometimes be tricky because indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific entities.
In formal English, singular indefinite pronouns traditionally take singular masculine pronouns (he, him, his). However, this can be perceived as sexist. A common solution is to use he or she, him or her, his or her. Alternatively, using the singular they, them, their is increasingly accepted, especially in informal contexts. In formal writing, consider rewriting the sentence to avoid the issue altogether.
For example:
- Incorrect (gender-biased): Everyone should bring his lunch.
- Correct (formal): Everyone should bring his or her lunch.
- Correct (informal): Everyone should bring their lunch.
- Correct (rewritten): All participants should bring their lunches.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
The choice of pronoun to use when referring back to indefinite pronouns can vary depending on the context. While “he or she” is grammatically correct, it can sound clunky and repetitive in longer texts.
The singular “they” has become increasingly common and accepted, especially in informal contexts, as a gender-neutral alternative.
Here’s a table illustrating the differences between formal and informal usage:
| Indefinite Pronoun | Formal Usage | Informal Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | Everyone should ensure that he or she has all the necessary documents. | Everyone should ensure that they have all the necessary documents. |
| Somebody | If somebody calls, ask him or her to leave a message. | If somebody calls, ask them to leave a message. |
| Anyone | Anyone who wishes to participate should submit his or her application by Friday. | Anyone who wishes to participate should submit their application by Friday. |
In very formal writing, it’s often best to rephrase the sentence to avoid the issue of pronoun agreement altogether. For example, instead of saying “Everyone should bring their lunch,” you could say “All participants should bring their lunches.”
Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns
One of the most common mistakes with indefinite pronouns is incorrect subject-verb agreement. Remember that singular indefinite pronouns require singular verbs, and plural indefinite pronouns require plural verbs.
Dependent indefinite pronouns require careful consideration of the noun in the prepositional phrase to determine the correct verb form.
Another common mistake is incorrect pronoun agreement. Avoid using gender-biased pronouns (he, him, his) to refer to singular indefinite pronouns. Use he or she, him or her, his or her, or rewrite the sentence to avoid the issue. The singular they, them, their is acceptable in many contexts but may be considered informal in formal writing.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone are invited. | Everyone is invited. | “Everyone” is a singular indefinite pronoun and requires a singular verb. |
| Few is attending the meeting. | Few are attending the meeting. | “Few” is a plural indefinite pronoun and requires a plural verb. |
| Somebody left his umbrella. | Somebody left his or her umbrella. OR Somebody left their umbrella. | Avoid gender bias by using “his or her” or the singular “their.” |
| All of the pie were eaten. | All of the pie was eaten. | “Pie” is singular, so the verb should be singular. |
| All of the cookies was eaten. | All of the cookies were eaten. | “Cookies” is plural, so the verb should be plural. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of indefinite pronouns with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct verb form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Everyone (is/are) excited about the trip. | is |
| 2. Few (knows/know) the answer to that question. | know |
| 3. Some of the cake (was/were) eaten. | was |
| 4. All of the cookies (was/were) eaten. | were |
| 5. Neither of the options (is/are) appealing. | is |
| 6. Each of the students (has/have) a different opinion. | has |
| 7. Several (is/are) planning to attend the conference. | are |
| 8. Most of the water (is/are) gone. | is |
| 9. Any of the books (is/are) acceptable. | are |
| 10. No one (want/wants) to miss the opportunity. | wants |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences to avoid gender bias.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Everyone should bring his own lunch. | Everyone should bring his or her own lunch. OR All participants should bring their own lunches. OR Everyone should bring their own lunch. |
| 2. If somebody calls, ask him to leave a message. | If somebody calls, ask him or her to leave a message. OR If somebody calls, ask them to leave a message. |
| 3. Anyone who wants to participate should submit his application. | Anyone who wants to participate should submit his or her application. OR All participants should submit their applications. OR Anyone who wants to participate should submit their application. |
| 4. Each student must complete his assignment by Friday. | Each student must complete his or her assignment by Friday. OR All students must complete their assignments by Friday. OR Each student must complete their assignment by Friday. |
| 5. Every employee is responsible for his actions. | Every employee is responsible for his or her actions. OR All employees are responsible for their actions. OR Every employee is responsible for their actions. |
| 6. A person should always respect his elders. | A person should always respect his or her elders. OR People should always respect their elders. OR A person should always respect their elders. |
| 7. Someone left his keys on the table. | Someone left his or her keys on the table. OR Someone left their keys on the table. |
| 8. Each member must pay his dues on time. | Each member must pay his or her dues on time. OR All members must pay their dues on time. OR Each member must pay their dues on time. |
| 9. Every citizen has the right to express his opinion. | Every citizen has the right to express his or her opinion. OR All citizens have the right to express their opinions. OR Every citizen has the right to express their opinion. |
| 10. A writer should always proofread his work. | A writer should always proofread his or her work. OR Writers should always proofread their work. OR A writer should always proofread their work. |
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks with appropriate indefinite pronouns.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. __________ is going to the party tonight. | Someone/Everyone/Anybody |
| 2. __________ of the students passed the test. | All/Some/Most |
| 3. __________ knows the answer to that question. | Nobody/No one |
| 4. I don’t have __________ to say. | anything |
| 5. __________ of my friends are coming to visit. | Several |
| 6. __________ is perfect. | Nobody/No one |
| 7. Is there __________ I can do to help? | anything |
| 8. __________ of the information is confidential. | Some |
| 9. __________ of the books are missing. | Several |
| 10. I need __________ else to help me. | someone/somebody |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of indefinite pronoun usage.
Partitive Constructions
Partitive constructions involve indefinite pronouns followed by a prepositional phrase that specifies a part of a whole. The verb agreement depends on the noun in the prepositional phrase.
For example, “Some of the water is polluted” (singular) vs. “Some of the rivers are polluted” (plural).
These constructions are essential for expressing quantities and proportions accurately. Mastering them requires careful attention to the grammatical number of the noun being referred to.
Indefinite Pronouns in Questions
Indefinite pronouns can also be used in questions, often to inquire about the existence or identity of something or someone. For example, “Is anyone home?” or “Did someone call?”.
The choice of indefinite pronoun in a question can affect its meaning and implications. “Anyone” is generally used in questions when the speaker doesn’t expect a specific answer, while “someone” suggests that the speaker believes someone might have done something.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about indefinite pronouns:
Q1: What is the difference between “someone” and “anyone”?
A1: “Someone” implies that the speaker believes a specific person exists or has done something, while “anyone” is more general and doesn’t imply a specific person. For example, “Someone left their keys” suggests the speaker believes a specific person left their keys, while “Did anyone see my keys?” is a general inquiry.
Q2: How do I avoid gender bias when using indefinite pronouns?
A2: You can use “he or she,” rewrite the sentence to use a plural noun, or use the singular “they.” The singular “they” is increasingly accepted, especially in informal contexts.
Q3: Which indefinite pronouns are always singular?
A3: “Another,” “each,” “either,” “neither,” “one,” “other,” “everyone,” “everybody,” “everything,” “someone,” “somebody,” “something,” “anyone,” “anybody,” “anything,” “no one,” “nobody,” and “nothing” are always singular.
Q4: Which indefinite pronouns are always plural?
A4: “Both,” “few,” “many,” “several,” and “others” are always plural.
Q5: Can indefinite pronouns be possessive?
A5: Yes, indefinite pronouns can be possessive. For example, “Everyone’s opinion matters” or “Somebody’s car is blocking the driveway.”
Q6: What does ‘dependent indefinite pronoun’ mean?
A6: Dependent indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the noun in the prepositional phrase that follows them. Examples include ‘all,’ ‘some,’ ‘none,’ ‘most,’ and ‘any.’ For instance, in “All of the water is gone,” ‘all’ is singular because ‘water’ is uncountable.
However, in “All of the cookies are gone,” ‘all’ is plural because ‘cookies’ is plural.
Q7: Is it grammatically correct to use ‘themself’ as a singular reflexive pronoun?
A7: No, ‘themself’ is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct singular reflexive pronoun to use with the singular ‘they’ is ‘themselves.’ For example, “Everyone should express themselves.” While ‘themself’ is sometimes used informally, particularly when referring to a non-binary individual, it’s generally avoided in formal writing.
Q8: How do I know whether to use “who” or “whom” after an indefinite pronoun?
A8: To determine whether to use “who” or “whom,” consider the function of the pronoun in the clause. If the pronoun is the subject of the clause, use “who.” If the pronoun is the object of the verb or preposition, use “whom.” For example, “Everyone who wants to participate should sign up” (“who” is the subject of “wants”).
“There is someone whom I need to speak to” (“whom” is the object of the preposition “to”).
Conclusion
Indefinite pronouns are essential for expressing nonspecific references in English. Understanding their types, usage rules, and common mistakes is crucial for clear and accurate communication.
By mastering subject-verb agreement, pronoun agreement, and the nuances of formal vs. informal usage, you can confidently incorporate indefinite pronouns into your writing and speech. Practice the
correct forms through exercises and pay attention to advanced topics like partitive constructions and their use in questions to further refine your skills.
With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use indefinite pronouns effectively and avoid common errors, enhancing the clarity and precision of your language.