The Basics of Indefinite Pronouns

1. Overview: Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to non-specific people or things. They help us talk about people and things without naming them. We use these pronouns when we do not know who or what we are talking about. 2. Cases of Usage: Someone / Somebody - We use these to refer to an unknown person. Example: Someone is at the door. Anyone / Anybody - We use these in questions or negative sentences to refer to any person. Example: Is there anyone in the room? Something - We use this to refer to an unknown thing. Example: I want something to eat. Anything - We use this in questions or negative sentences to refer to any thing. Example: Do you need anything from the store? Nothing - We use this to refer to the absence of anything. Example: I have nothing to say. Everyone / Everybody - We use these to refer to all people in a group. Example: Everybody is invited to the party. Everything - We use this to refer to all things. Example: Everything is ready for the meeting. No one / Nobody - We use these to refer to not a single person. Example: Nobody knows the answer. 3. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To: Some indefinite pronouns can be used in both positive and negative sentences, but the meaning changes. For example, "anyone" can mean "any person" in questions but "no person" in negative sentences. Example: Positive: Is there anyone who can help? Negative: There isn't anyone who can help.