Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite Pronouns[explanation: indefinite pronoun [ɪnˌdefɪnət ˈprəʊnaʊn] – umbmäärane asesõna]
Indefinite pronouns refer to people, things and places in a general way.
someone/somebody, something, somewhere | |
I know someone who can help you. I think we have forgotten something important. He left his keys somewhere in the house. | Indefinite pronouns beginning with some are common in statements[explanation: statement [ˈsteɪtmənt] – väide]. |
Can you pass me something to eat? I’m starving. | Such pronouns are also used in offers[explanation: offer [ˈɒfə(r)] – pakkumine; pakkuma], requests[explanation: request [rɪˈkwest] – palve; paluma] and invitations[explanation: invitation [ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n] – kutse]. |
anyone/anybody, anything, anywhere | |
Did anyone ask for me while I was away? Did anything funny happen to you during the trip? | Indefinite pronouns beginning with any are common in questions. |
It’s a pity I don’t know anyone in this town. | We also use these pronouns in negative sentences. |
We can meet anywhere you want. | Here, these pronouns mean “it doesn’t matter who/what/where”. |
no one/nobody, nothing, nowhere | |
Nobody knows how to play this game. Nothing is okay! | Indefinite pronouns beginning with no carry a negative meaning. This means that we do not need to put a verb in the negative form. |
everyone/everybody, everything, everywhere | |
Everybody is welcome to take part in the TV show. Is everything alright? During the Christmas season, there are decorations everywhere. | Indefinite pronouns beginning with every refer to a total number of people, things and places. |
Indefinite pronouns that refer to ...
NB!
When we use the indefinite pronouns ending with -body, -one and -thing, we put the verb in the singular form.
Everyone listens to Taylor Swift. Nobody says that she is bad.
Everything is going to be alright.
Let’s Practise!
- I’d like to tell you important.
- Why is looking at us?
- She needs to teach her French.
- Does know the answer to the next question?
- Could you speak up, please? I can’t hear .
- Let’s stop to have a quick lunch break.
- I’m afraid this road will lead us .
- Everybody must .
- Nothing is .
- something funny.
- Someone said that .
- Nobody told me that .
- people everywhere.
Pairwork 1
Play the game “Two Truths and a Lie” with your partner. Use indefinite pronouns in your statements.
Example:
- I haven’t spoken to anybody this morning.
- I can say something in Spanish.
- Someone liked my picture on Instagram yesterday.
Pairwork 2
In turns, roll the dice and think of a question that would match the corresponding answer.
 | Nothing special. |  | Any kind. |
 | Everybody. |  | Some friends. |
 | Somewhere over there. |  | No way! |
Hi! What are you doing after school?
Nothing special.
What kind of sweets do you want?
Any kind.
Who is happy?
Everybody.
Pairwork 3
Act out the dialogue from Get This!. This time, everything goes very well for Jackson.
Hey, Jackson! Is everything okay?
Yeah, everything is great! ...
Think about how Jane would celebrate Jackson’s success in his show! |  |
How Am I Doing?
I can explain when to use different indefinite pronouns. | |
I can use indefinite pronouns in statements, negative sentences and questions. |
