Indefinite Pronouns in English: Rules, Examples & Exercises

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Indefinite Pronouns in English! Learn how to use these pronouns in English: Somebody, Someone, Something, Anywhere, Nobody, No one, Nothing, Everybody, Everyone, Everything… with an ESL printable picture and clear rules.

Indefinite Pronoun Definition & Rules

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that refer to people or things in a general or unspecified way. They do not name a specific person or object.

• They are used to show unspecified people or objects, whether singular or plural.
• They indicate all, some, or none of a noun without giving exact details.
• They are used when we want to refer to a group of nouns without actually specifying who or how many.

There are several important rules for using indefinite pronouns correctly. When you understand these rules, writing becomes much easier and more accurate.

1. Singular and Plural Agreement

• Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., someone, anybody, nobody, everything) and take a singular verb.
• Some are always plural (e.g., few, many, several) and take a plural verb.
• Some can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to (e.g., all, some, none).

Examples:

• Everybody is ready.
• Few students are absent.

2. No Double Negatives

Indefinite pronouns beginning with No- (such as nobody, nothing, no one) already have a negative meaning. Therefore, we do not use another negative word in the same clause.

• Correct: I know nothing about it.
• Incorrect: I don’t know nothing about it.

3. Using Some- and Any-

• Some- forms are usually used in affirmative sentences and offers/invitations.
  Example: Would you like something to drink?
• Any- forms are commonly used in negative and question sentences.
  Example: Do you know anyone here?

4. Adjectives After Indefinite Pronouns

When an adjective modifies an indefinite pronoun, it comes after the pronoun.

• She wants something special.
• There is nothing interesting on TV.

Indefinite Pronouns List (Clearly Categorized)

People

• Somebody
• Someone
• Anybody
• Anyone
• Nobody
• No one
• Everybody
• Everyone

Things

• Something
• Anything
• Nothing
• Everything

Quantifiers (Amount)

• Few
• Many
• Several
• All
• Some
• None

Note: Words ending in -where such as somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, everywhere are usually classified as adverbs of place, not pronouns. They modify verbs and describe location.

Indefinite Pronouns Examples

• It’s hard to say somebody is perfect, but nobody is without flaws.
• Sometimes, I just need someone to talk to.
• She wants to learn something new every day.
• We shouldn’t disrespect anybody.
• If anyone has seen my notebook, please return it to me.
  → Here, anyone means “any person at all,” not “everyone.”
• If anything goes wrong, call me immediately.
• Nobody was answering when I called last night.
• No one wants to fail.
• The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.
• Everybody should be aware of the risks involved.
• Everyone needs support sometimes.
• Everything is ready for the meeting.
• She needs to find somewhere to live. (Adverb of place)
• I can’t find my keys anywhere. (Adverb of place)
• The house was nowhere near the sea. (Adverb of place)
• His children go everywhere with him. (Adverb of place)

Summary

Indefinite pronouns help us talk about people and things in a general way. Remember:

• Check singular or plural verb agreement.
• Avoid double negatives with no- forms.
• Use some- in affirmative sentences and offers.
• Use any- in questions and negatives.
• Place adjectives after the indefinite pronoun.

Mastering these rules will make your English clearer, more natural, and grammatically correct.

Indefinite Pronouns Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Indefinite Pronoun

Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct indefinite pronoun from the box.

someone – anyone – nobody – everybody – something – anything – nothing – everything – somebody – no one

1. ________ left their umbrella in the classroom.
2. I looked everywhere, but I found ________.
3. Is there ________ who can help me with this problem?
4. ________ knows the answer to this question.
5. She wants to tell you ________ important.
6. There is ________ in the fridge. It’s completely empty.
7. ________ called you while you were out.
8. I didn’t see ________ at the party.
9. ________ makes mistakes sometimes.
10. I think ________ is wrong with my computer.

Answers – Exercise 1

1. Someone
2. nothing
3. anyone
4. Everybody
5. something
6. nothing
7. Somebody
8. anyone
9. Everybody
10. something

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes (Verb Agreement & Double Negatives)

Instructions: Each sentence contains a mistake. Rewrite the sentence correctly.

1. Everybody are ready for the exam.
2. I don’t know nothing about this topic.
3. Someone have left the door open.
4. No one don’t understand the instructions.
5. Everything were prepared before the meeting.
6. Few is interested in the new policy.
7. Nobody have called me today.
8. I can’t see nobody in the office.
9. Each of the students have a book.
10. Something are missing from this report.

Answers – Exercise 2

1. Everybody is ready for the exam.
2. I know nothing about this topic.
   or
   I don’t know anything about this topic.
3. Someone has left the door open.
4. No one understands the instructions.
5. Everything was prepared before the meeting.
6. Few are interested in the new policy.
7. Nobody has called me today.
8. I can’t see anybody in the office.
9. Each of the students has a book.
10. Something is missing from this report.