Indefinite pronouns

​Indefinite pronouns

​Refers to a thing or person without saying exactly who or what they are

1. We use pronouns ending in '-body' and '-one' for PEOPLE. We use pronouns ending in '-thing' for THINGS

2. We use SINGULAR VERB after an indefinite pronoun.​

3. ​When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun, we normally use a PLURAL pronoun.

4. In NEGATIVE clauses, we use pronouns with 'no-'. Do not use pronouns with 'any-'

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

6. ​When identifying indefinite pronouns, be careful that you do not confuse them with adjectives.

7. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, some are always plural while some can be both depending on the surrounding text or context. ​

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​Rules for using indefinite pronouns

​1. We use pronouns ending in '-body' and '-one' for PEOPLE. We use pronouns ending in '-thing' for THINGS

​ex. Everybody enjoyed the concert

​ I opened the door but there was no one at home

It was a very clear day. We could see everything.

I have not purchased anything from the mall.

Many were not aware of the announcement.​

There is nothing in the fridge.​

​2. We use SINGULAR VERB after an indefinite pronoun.​

Examples:

Everybody loves Sally.​

​Everything was ready for the party.

​​3.When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun, we normally use a PLURAL pronoun.

Examples:

Everybody enjoyed the concert. They stood up and clapped.

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

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​4. In NEGATIVE clauses, we use pronouns with 'no-'. Do not use pronouns with 'any-'​

Examples:

​Nobody came. (It would be incorrect to say "Anybody didn't come")

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​5. We do not use another negative in a clause with 'nobody', 'no one' or 'nothing'

Examples:

Nobody came. (It would be incorrect to say "​Nobody didn't come")

​Nothing happened. (It would be incorrect to say "Nothing didn't happen")

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​6. When identifying indefinite pronouns, be careful that you do not confuse them with adjectives.

Examples:

​Little is known about the accident. (the word 'little' is an indefinite pronoun and functions as the subject of the sentence)

​

​7. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, some are always plural while some can be both depending on the surrounding text or context.

Examples (see worksheet)​

Test yourself

​ 1. Can indifinite pronouns ending with '-thing' be used for people?

2. ​What do you use pronouns ending with '-body' and '-one' for?

3. ​What do you use after an indefinite pronoun?

4. ​When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun, we normally use a plural pronoun. True or False?

5. ​Do we use pronouns with 'no-' or do we use pronouns with 'any-' for negative clauses?

6. ​Can we use another negative in a clause with 'nobody', 'no one' or 'nothing'?

7. ​List two examples of singular indefinite pronoun

Test yourself (answers)

​ 1. Can indifinite pronouns ending with '-thing' be used for people? No

2. ​What do you use pronouns ending with '-body' and '-one' for? People

3. ​What do you use after an indefinite pronoun? Singular verb

4. ​When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun, we normally use a plural pronoun. True or False? True

5. ​Do we use pronouns with 'no-' or do we use pronouns with 'any-' for negative clauses? 'No-'

6. ​Can we use another negative in a clause with 'nobody', 'no one' or 'nothing'? No

7. ​List two examples of singular indefinite pronoun