Understanding Indefinite Pronouns

In English grammar, pronouns are used to replace nouns and avoid repetition. Indefinite pronouns are used when we refer to people, places, or things without mentioning a specific name or exact number. They are common in everyday conversations because they allow us to talk about unknown or general subjects.

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that refer to non-specific people, things, or amounts. Unlike personal pronouns such as "he," "she," or "they," indefinite pronouns do not identify exactly who or what they represent.

For example:

Someone called you. (We do not know who.)
I need something to eat. (We do not know what.)

Common Indefinite Pronouns

Category	Examples
People	someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, everyone, nobody
Things	something, anything, everything, nothing
Amounts	all, some, many, few, several, none

Types of Indefinite Pronouns

Pronouns Ending in -body and -one

These pronouns refer to people.

Someone is waiting outside.
Everyone enjoyed the event.
Nobody knew the answer.

Pronouns Ending in -thing

These pronouns refer to things or objects.

I need something to drink.
Is there anything I can help with?
She knows everything about the topic.

Indefinite Pronouns and Verb Agreement

Many indefinite pronouns that refer to people or things use singular verbs.

Singular Indefinite Pronoun	Example
Everyone	Everyone is ready.
Someone	Someone has left a message.
Nothing	Nothing looks wrong.

Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the meaning of the sentence.

Some of the water is gone. (uncountable - singular)
Some of the students are absent. (plural)

Common Mistakes With Indefinite Pronouns

Incorrect	Correct
Everyone are happy.	Everyone is happy.
Someone have called me.	Someone has called me.
Nobody know the answer.	Nobody knows the answer.

Exercises and Practice

Choose the correct indefinite pronoun:

_____ is knocking at the door. (Someone / Something)
I do not know _____ about this problem. (anything / anyone)
_____ wants to learn English. (Everyone / Everything)
There is _____ in the box. It is empty. (nothing / nobody)

Understanding indefinite pronouns helps learners talk about people, things, and situations when the exact details are unknown or not important.