What are Indefinite Pronouns?
We use indefinite pronouns to refer to people, things, or places without saying exactly who, what, or where they are. They are called "indefinite" because their exact identity is not defined or known. We commonly use pronouns ending in -body or -one for people, pronouns ending in -thing for things, and pronouns ending in -where for places.
These pronouns are essential for making general statements, expressing uncertainty, or asking open questions.
| Category | Some- | Any- | No- | Every- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People | somebody / someone | anybody / anyone | nobody / no one | everybody / everyone |
| Things | something | anything | nothing | everything |
| Places | somewhere | anywhere | nowhere | everywhere |
💡 Tip: There is absolutely no difference in meaning between words ending in -body and words ending in -one (e.g., somebody vs. someone). However, -one tends to sound slightly more formal in written English, whereas -body is extremely common in spoken conversation!
Indefinite Pronouns Structure and Formula
Even though indefinite pronouns ending in -body, -one, and -thing often refer to an entire group or an unknown multitude of people/items, they always function as singular subjects in a sentence.
Singular Verb Rule
This means you must always pair them with a singular verb (e.g., is, has, does, V-s/es).
Formula:
S (Indefinite Pronoun) + V-s/es (Singular Verb) + O / C
Everyone loves a good story. (S = Everyone, V-s/es = loves)
Something is wrong with the car.
Nobody knows the answer to that question.
Using "They" for Referencing
Because indefinite pronouns for people (someone, everybody, etc.) do not specify gender (male or female), English uses the plural pronouns they/them/their to refer back to them later in the sentence.
Formula:
S (Indefinite Pronoun) + V (Singular) ... + Possessive Adjective/Object Pronoun (their/them) + N/Clause
If anyone calls, tell them I'm busy.
Someone* left their umbrella behind.
Everybody has their* own opinion.
How to Form Indefinite Pronouns: Positive, Negative, and Questions
The base words some, any, no, and every determine the exact grammar rules in a clause.
1. Somebody / Someone / Something / Somewhere
We primarily use these in affirmative (positive) sentences.
Formula:
S (+ Indefinite Pronoun) + V + (O)
I have something important to tell you.
There is somebody waiting at the door.
Exception for Offers and Requests:
If you are offering something or asking for something and you expect the answer to be "Yes," use Some-.
Would you like something to drink? (Offer)
Can someone help me with this? (Request)
2. Anybody / Anyone / Anything / Anywhere
These are primarily found in negative sentences and interrogative sentences (questions).
Negative Formula:
S + do/does/did not (or am/is/are not) + V (Base Form) + Any- (Indefinite Pronoun)
(Or: S + auxiliary/modal + not + V + Any-)
I don't know anybody here.
She hasn't seen anything unusual.
Question Formula:
Do/Does/Did + S + V (Base Form) + Any- (Indefinite Pronoun)?
(Or: Is/Are/Am + S + Any-?)
Did you buy anything at the mall?
Is anyone listening to me?
Exception: You can use Any- words in affirmative positive clauses when the meaning is "it doesn't matter who/what/where".
Anybody can learn English if they try. (Any person at all)
*I'm so hungry, I'll eat anything*. (It doesn't matter what)
3. Nobody / No one / Nothing / Nowhere
These inherently contain a negative meaning, meaning they must be used with affirmative (positive) verbs to avoid a grammatical error known as a double negative.
Formula:
S (No- Indefinite Pronoun) + V (Positive) + O
S + V (Positive) + O (No- Indefinite Pronoun)
The room was completely empty. Nobody was there. (NOT: Nobody wasn't there)
I have nothing to say. (NOT: I don't have nothing)
4. Everybody / Everyone / Everything / Everywhere
These words refer to all people in a specific group, all things without exception, or all places. They also take affirmative verbs and act as singular subjects.
Formula:
S (Every- Indefinite Pronoun) + V-s/es + ...
Everybody enjoyed the farewell party.
Everything is ready for the meeting.
How to Tell the Difference Between Indefinite Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
Understanding what sets indefinite pronouns apart from standard personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) will help you structure your sentences more naturally.
| Feature | Indefinite Pronouns (e.g., someone, nothing) | Personal Pronouns (e.g., he, they, it) |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | Unknown, general, or unnamed. You don't know exactly who or what it is, or it refers to a whole unspecific group. | Specific. It refers back to a known and identified person, animal, or thing previously mentioned. |
| Grammatical Number | Always singular (e.g., Everybody is..., Nothing has...). | Matches the exact noun (e.g., It is..., They are...). |
| Gender | Gender-neutral (especially for people: someone, anyone). | Distinct genders for third-person singular (e.g., he, she, it). |
| Example | Someone knocked on the door. (We don't know who). | John* knocked on the door. He* left a package. (We know who). |
When to Use Indefinite Pronouns in English
- When the identity of the actor is unknown or unimportant.
Example: Somebody stole my bike! (I don't know who). - When talking about a total amount or complete lack of something.
Example: Everything is going according to plan. Nothing can stop us now. - When making sweeping, general statements about society or people in general.
Example: Everyone deserves a second chance.
Real-life Examples of Indefinite Pronouns Usage
Let's look at how indefinite pronouns are used fluidly in everyday conversations:
- Colleague A: Is anybody going to the cafeteria for lunch?
- Colleague B: No, everyone brought their own food today. But I think someone left some donuts in the breakroom.
- Colleague A: Awesome! I was worried there wouldn't be anything good to eat. I brought nothing with me.
Summary & Cheatsheet for Indefinite Pronouns
| Base Word | Used In | Example Sentence | Meaning / Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Some- | Positive / Offers / Requests | Somebody left their jacket. / Want something to eat? | Unknown but existing person/thing. |
| Any- | Negatives / Questions / "Doesn't matter" | I don't need anything. / Is anyone home? / Anyone can do it. | One, some, or all (no limits). |
| No- | Positive verbs (gives negative meaning) | Nobody knows the code. | Zero amount, absolute zero. |
| Every- | All inclusive | Everything is crystal clear. | 100% of the group or items. |
💡 The key takeaway: Always treat words ending in -body, -one, and -thing as "Singular Subjects." Even if you are visualizing a room full of 100 people, the verb always stays singular: Everybody is cheering!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "none" an indefinite pronoun?
Yes, none is technically an indefinite pronoun! It essentially means "not any" or "no one". However, unlike the pronouns listed above which are always singular, none can sometimes take a plural verb depending on the noun it is replacing (e.g., None of the pie is left vs. None of the students were ready).
Do you use a singular or plural verb with "both", "few", or "several"?
Those are also a type of indefinite pronoun (called plural indefinite pronouns), but they are always plural. Consequently, they take plural verbs. For example: Both are good options. / Several have complained.
How do you handle possessive apostrophes with indefinite pronouns?
You add an apostrophe + s ('s) to the end of the person indefinite pronouns just like a regular noun.
That looks like somebody's bag.
It is no one's fault.
It's everybody's responsibility.
Can I say "anywheres" or "somewheres"?
No, adding an "-s" to indefinite place pronouns (anywheres, somewheres, nowheres) is a non-standard, regional colloquialism. Stick to anywhere, somewhere, and nowhere for grammatically correct English.