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Indefinite pronouns refer to people, things, or amounts without specifying exactly who or what they are. Words like someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, something, anything, everything, nothing are all indefinite pronouns. They are among the most commonly used words in English and appear in virtually every conversation and piece of writing. Understanding their rules—especially how they interact with verb agreement, negatives, and question structures—is essential for grammatical accuracy.
Table of Contents
What Are Indefinite Pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to any specific person, thing, or amount. They are "indefinite" because they leave the identity vague or general. In English, most indefinite pronouns are compound words formed from some-, any-, every-, or no- combined with -one/-body (for people), -thing (for things), or -where (for places).
Someone is knocking at the door. (an unknown person)
Is there anything I can do to help? (any unspecified thing)
Everyone enjoyed the show. (all people, generally)
Nothing happened. (not a single thing)
The Complete Indefinite Pronoun Chart
| People | Things | Places | |
|---|---|---|---|
| some- | someone / somebody | something | somewhere |
| any- | anyone / anybody | anything | anywhere |
| every- | everyone / everybody | everything | everywhere |
| no- | no one / nobody | nothing | nowhere |
Note: Someone and somebody are interchangeable, as are anyone/anybody, everyone/everybody, and no one/nobody. The "-one" forms are slightly more formal; the "-body" forms are slightly more casual.
Some- Compounds: Positive Statements and Offers
Indefinite pronouns beginning with some- are primarily used in positive (affirmative) sentences, offers, and requests.
Someone left their bag in the classroom.
I need something to eat.
Let's go somewhere quiet.
Would you like something to drink? (offer)
Can someone help me? (request)
We use some- compounds in questions when we expect a positive answer, are making an offer, or are making a request. This is a key distinction from any- compounds.
Any- Compounds: Questions, Negatives, and Conditions
Indefinite pronouns beginning with any- are used in questions (when we don't know the answer), negative sentences, and conditional clauses.
Is anyone home? (genuine question)
I don't have anything to wear.
She didn't go anywhere last weekend.
If anyone calls, take a message.
In positive statements, any- means "it doesn't matter which":
Anyone can learn to cook. (any person, it doesn't matter who)
You can sit anywhere you like. (any place, it doesn't matter where)
Anything is possible. (any thing, without restriction)
Every- Compounds: All Without Exception
Indefinite pronouns beginning with every- refer to all members of a group without exception.
Everyone was happy with the result. (all people)
Everything is ready for the party. (all things)
I've looked everywhere for my keys. (all places)
Everybody loves a good story.
No- Compounds: Complete Negation
Indefinite pronouns beginning with no- express complete negation. They mean "not any" and are used with positive verbs (because they already contain the negative meaning).
Nobody knows the answer. (NOT "Nobody doesn't know")
There is nothing in the fridge.
She has nowhere to go.
No one was injured in the accident.
Important: Do not use double negatives. "Nobody" already means "no person," so do not add "not" or "don't."
❌ I don't know nothing. (double negative)
✅ I don't know anything. OR ✅ I know nothing.
Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
All compound indefinite pronouns are grammatically singular and take singular verbs. This is true even when they refer to many people or things.
Everyone is welcome. (NOT "Everyone are")
Somebody has left their phone here.
Nothing was damaged in the storm.
Everything looks fine.
Nobody wants to go first.
Although these pronouns take singular verbs, it is increasingly accepted to use they/their/them as a pronoun to refer back to them, especially to avoid gender-specific language:
Everyone should bring their own lunch. (widely accepted)
If anyone calls, ask them to leave a message.
Somebody forgot their umbrella.
Some vs. Any: When to Use Which
| Use SOME when... | Use ANY when... |
|---|---|
| Positive statements | Questions (uncertain) |
| Offers: "Would you like something?" | Negative sentences |
| Requests: "Can someone help?" | Conditional clauses: "If anyone..." |
| You expect "yes" | You don't know the answer |
| Positive meaning "it doesn't matter which" |
I bought something for you. (positive)
Did you buy anything? (question, uncertain)
Would you like something to eat? (offer, expecting yes)
I didn't buy anything. (negative)
Adjectives After Indefinite Pronouns
When an adjective modifies an indefinite pronoun, it comes after the pronoun, not before. This is the opposite of normal English adjective order.
✅ Is there anything interesting on TV?
❌ Is there interesting anything on TV?
✅ I need something cold to drink.
✅ She said nothing important.
✅ Let's go somewhere nice for dinner.
✅ Everyone new should attend the orientation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Double Negatives
❌ I don't want nothing.
✅ I don't want anything. OR ✅ I want nothing.
Mistake 2: Plural Verbs with Indefinite Pronouns
❌ Everyone are ready.
✅ Everyone is ready.
Mistake 3: Using Some in Negative Sentences
❌ I didn't see someone at the door.
✅ I didn't see anyone at the door.
Mistake 4: Adjective Before the Pronoun
❌ I want cold something to drink.
✅ I want something cold to drink.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct indefinite pronoun.
1. _______ is at the door. Can you check?
Answer: Someone / Somebody
2. I didn't hear _______.
Answer: anything
3. _______ in the class passed the exam.
Answer: Everyone / Everybody
4. There is _______ wrong with this computer.
Answer: something
5. _______ called while you were out. (negative)
Answer: Nobody / No one
6. Would you like _______ to eat? (offer)
Answer: something
7. Does _______ have a pen I can borrow?
Answer: anyone / anybody
8. I have _______ to tell you. It's important.
Answer: something
Indefinite pronouns are fundamental to everyday English. By mastering the some-/any-/every-/no- system, understanding verb agreement rules, and remembering adjective placement, you will use these pronouns accurately and naturally. Practice them in context, and pay attention to how native speakers use them in conversation and writing.
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