What’s the difference between anything and something

What Are Indefinite Pronouns in English: Rules, Examples & Exercises

Have you ever said something like, “Someone is at the door,” or “Nobody called me today”? If yes, then congratulations—you’ve already used indefinite pronouns without even realizing it!

Indefinite pronouns are simple, everyday words that we use all the time in English. They help us talk about people, things, or places without saying exactly who or what they are. Words like somebody, anyone, everything, none, and many are just a few examples. These words are essential for natural and fluent English, and they’re used in conversations, writing, and storytelling all around the world.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore:

What indefinite pronouns really are
When and how to use them correctly
10 real-life example sentences
20 practice questions with answers
Common mistakes to avoid
Helpful grammar rules and tips

Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on advanced grammar, this lesson will boost your confidence and help you use these useful words clearly and correctly.

Let’s start by understanding what indefinite pronouns are and why they matter in English communication.

🧠 What Are Indefinite Pronouns? Explanation and Overview

Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to people, things, or places in a general or non-specific way. Unlike other pronouns like he, she, it, or they, which refer to someone or something specific, indefinite pronouns are used when you don’t know exactly who or what you’re talking about—or when it doesn’t really matter.

🔍 Common Examples of Indefinite Pronouns:

People: somebody, someone, anybody, anyone, nobody, no one, everybody, everyone
Things: something, anything, nothing, everything
Quantity: all, few, many, some, several, none, each, either, neither, one

✨ Why Are They Important?

These pronouns help us talk in a natural and fluent way. For example:

Instead of saying, “A man I don’t know is calling me,” you can say, “Someone is calling me.”
Instead of saying, “There are zero people here,” you can say, “Nobody is here.”

✅ Quick Characteristics:

Indefinite pronouns can be singular, plural, or both
They often don’t tell us exactly who, what, or how many
Many of them end in –body, –one, –thing

📘 Examples in Action:

Someone left their bag on the bus.
Is anybody home?
Everything looks perfect.
None of the cookies are left.
Each of the students has a book.

Indefinite pronouns are used in both spoken and written English every day. They help us speak more flexibly and politely, especially when we don’t have all the details or when we want to stay general.

🗣️ Everyday Sentences Using Indefinite Pronouns: 10 Common Examples

Indefinite pronouns are all around us—in classrooms, conversations, texts, emails, and social media. Let’s explore how they appear in natural, everyday English. These examples will help you understand how native speakers actually use them in real life.

🧾 10 Common Sentences Using Indefinite Pronouns

Somebody knocked on the door, but I didn’t see who it was.
Anyone can learn English if they practice every day.
Nothing makes me happier than a cup of coffee in the morning.
I searched everywhere, but no one had seen my phone.
Everything on the menu looks delicious.
Nobody likes being ignored.
She heard something outside and got scared.
Is anybody going to the party tonight?
Each of the players received a medal.
None of these shirts fit me properly.

👂 Natural Language Tips:

In casual speech, people often say someone instead of somebody, or anyone instead of anybody. Both are correct and used interchangeably.
Indefinite pronouns like nothing, nobody, and none are used for negative meanings.
Words like everything, everybody, and everyone are used to include all people or things in a group.

These examples will make your English sound more natural and expressive, especially when you want to talk generally without giving specific details.

📌 When to Use Indefinite Pronouns: All the Key Situations

Indefinite pronouns are used in many everyday situations where we don’t need or want to name a specific person, thing, or amount. Below are the most common times you’ll need them—memorizing these will help you speak more naturally and confidently in English.

✅ 1. When the Subject Is Unknown or Unimportant

We use indefinite pronouns like someone, somebody, something, etc., when we don’t know who or what the subject is—or when it’s not important.

Someone called while you were out.
Something smells delicious.
Somebody left their bag in the hallway.

✅ 2. To Refer to a General Group or Idea

Words like everyone, everything, and all are used when you want to include everyone or everything in a group.

Everyone is invited to the meeting.
Everything has its price.
All are welcome here.

✅ 3. To Ask Questions in a General Way

When asking about people or things generally, we often use anyone, anything, somebody, or something.

Is anybody there?
Do you need anything else?
Did someone call me?

✅ 4. To Talk About Absence or Negatives

Negative forms like nobody, nothing, and none help us say that no person, no thing, or no amount exists or is involved.

Nobody answered the door.
Nothing was found at the scene.
None of the answers are correct.

✅ 5. To Show Quantity Without Being Exact

Use indefinite pronouns to describe an unspecified amount of something.

Some of the books are missing.
Many were invited, but only a few came.
Several students passed the exam.

✅ 6. To Show Choice or Preference

When talking about a choice between things or people, we use either, neither, or each.

Each of you must try.
You can choose either dress.
Neither of the boys knew the answer.

✅ 7. In Polite or Formal Speech

Indefinite pronouns sound more polite when you’re being indirect or careful.

Would anyone like some tea?
Is someone using this seat?

These situations cover almost every context where indefinite pronouns are used. Keep these in mind while forming questions, making general statements, or writing polite sentences.

🔤 Conjugation Rules for Indefinite Pronouns

Even though indefinite pronouns don’t name a specific person or thing, they still act like a subject in a sentence. This means they must follow the correct subject-verb agreement, especially when using singular or plural verbs. Getting this part right makes your English sound smooth and correct.

📌 1. Singular Indefinite Pronouns

These pronouns always take singular verbs and singular possessive adjectives (his, her, its).

Examples:

Someone is knocking at the door.
Everybody wants to be happy.
Each of the boys has a pen.

Common Singular Indefinite Pronouns:

someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, no one, nobody, each, either, neither, one, another, much, little, everything, nothing, something, anything

📌 2. Plural Indefinite Pronouns

These pronouns always take plural verbs and plural possessives (their, them).

Examples:

Many are waiting in line.
Few have completed the project.
Several were chosen.

Common Plural Indefinite Pronouns:

many, few, several, both

📌 3. Indefinite Pronouns That Can Be Singular or Plural

Some pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.

Examples:

All of the food is gone. (refers to uncountable noun: food)
All of the players are ready. (refers to countable noun: players)
None of the cake was eaten.
None of the cookies were eaten.

Flexible Indefinite Pronouns:

all, none, some, most, any

🛠️ Quick Conjugation Tips:

Look at what the pronoun refers to—if it’s singular, use a singular verb; if plural, use a plural verb.
For each, everyone, nobody, always use he/she/it form of the verb.
✅ Everyone loves a good story.
❌ Everyone love a good story.

Understanding how to match indefinite pronouns with the correct verbs is key to writing and speaking grammatically correct English.

📘 Indefinite Pronoun Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Indefinite pronouns may feel tricky at first, but once you understand the basic grammar rules, using them becomes easy and natural. Below are the most important grammar points to remember when using indefinite pronouns in English.

🧠 1. Use the Right Verb Form (Singular or Plural)

Most indefinite pronouns are singular, and they require a singular verb.

Examples:

Everybody wants to join the trip.
Someone is waiting for you.

Some indefinite pronouns are plural and need a plural verb.

Examples:

Many are already here.
Few know the full story.

A few pronouns can be both singular or plural depending on the context.

Examples:

All is lost. (refers to uncountable noun)
All are present. (refers to people)

📘 2. Avoid Double Negatives

Never use a negative verb with nobody, no one, none, or nothing. These pronouns already carry a negative meaning.

❌ Incorrect: I don’t know nothing.
✅ Correct: I know nothing.
✅ Correct: I don’t know anything.

🧍 3. Use Gender-Neutral Language for People

When referring to indefinite pronouns like someone, anybody, everyone, use they/their instead of assuming “he” or “she.”

✅ Someone left their umbrella.
✅ Nobody remembered their homework.

This keeps your language polite, inclusive, and modern.

🔁 4. Don’t Confuse “Every-” and “Any-”

Everyone = all people
Anyone = any one person (unspecified who)
Someone = a specific person, but unknown
No one = not a single person

🔍 Example:

Everyone is here. (all of them)
Anyone can answer this question. (pick one)
Someone knocked at the door. (unknown who)
No one answered the call. (zero people)

🧩 5. Pronouns Ending in –body, –one, –thing

Here’s a quick pattern you’ll notice:

–body / –one: used for people
–thing: used for things

✅ Somebody took my pen.
✅ Something is on your shirt.
✅ Everyone enjoyed the party.

🧍 6. “Each” and “Every” Are Always Singular

Even if they refer to multiple people or things, they still take a singular verb.

✅ Each of the kids has a balloon.
✅ Every student needs a notebook.

🛠️ Grammar Rule Summary:

Rule	Example
Most indefinite pronouns are singular	Everyone loves music.
Some are plural	Several are missing.
Some can be both	All is ready. / All are here.
Avoid double negatives	I found nothing, not “I didn’t find nothing.”
Use gender-neutral pronouns	Someone forgot their keys.

💡 Important Tips for Using Indefinite Pronouns Correctly

Mastering indefinite pronouns isn’t just about grammar—it’s also about sounding natural, fluent, and clear in conversation and writing. These helpful tips will make your English more polished and confident, especially when speaking with native speakers or writing in formal settings.

🎯 1. Use Context Clues to Choose the Right Pronoun

When deciding between someone, anyone, everyone, or no one, think about:

Are you talking about a known or unknown person?
Is your sentence positive, negative, or a question?
Are you including one, all, or none?

🔸 For example:

In a question, use anyone: “Has anyone seen my bag?”
In a positive statement, use someone: “Someone brought cookies.”

📢 2. Use Indefinite Pronouns to Sound More Polite

Indefinite pronouns let you ask questions or make statements without being too direct or forceful.

✅ “Would anyone like to share their opinion?”
✅ “Could somebody help me with this box?”

This is especially useful in formal or group settings.

🗣️ 3. Match Your Tone (Formal vs. Casual)

Some indefinite pronouns sound more formal or academic, while others feel more casual.

Somebody, nobody, everybody – more casual
Someone, no one, everyone – slightly more formal

🗨️ Tip: Choose based on your audience. Use everyone in an email to your teacher, and everybody when chatting with friends.

📦 4. Don’t Add Extra Nouns After Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns are standalone words. Don’t follow them with another noun.

❌ Incorrect: Someone person called.
✅ Correct: Someone called.

The pronoun already carries the meaning, so adding a noun becomes unnecessary and confusing.

🔀 5. Avoid Repeating the Same Pronoun in One Sentence

Using two or more indefinite pronouns in the same sentence can sound awkward or unclear.

❌ Confusing: “Everybody told someone to do something.”
✅ Clearer: “Everybody gave instructions to one person.”

Try rephrasing to avoid overwhelming your sentence with too many vague words.

👓 6. Review Subject-Verb Agreement in Long Sentences

When indefinite pronouns are far from the verb, it’s easy to accidentally use the wrong verb form.

❌ Incorrect: “Each of the books on the shelf are interesting.”
✅ Correct: “Each of the books on the shelf is interesting.”

Always look back at your subject when deciding the verb form.

🧠 7. Keep an Eye on Clarity in Writing

If your sentence has too many general words (like something, anyone, or everything), your meaning can get fuzzy. Try to balance general ideas with specific details when needed.

✅ Clear: “Somebody at the event asked about the budget.”
✅ Even better: “A guest at the event asked about the budget.”

Use indefinite pronouns to start, then clarify if needed.

These tips are not just grammar tricks—they are real tools for sounding more natural and professional. Practice them while reading, writing, and speaking, and you’ll notice real improvement.

❌ Common Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns and How to Fix Them

Even advanced learners can make small errors when using indefinite pronouns like somebody, none, each, or anything. Let’s look at the top trouble spots, along with simple corrections and tips to help you avoid them completely.

⚠️ Mistake 1: Using “they” with Clearly Singular Indefinite Pronouns in Formal Writing

While it’s fine to use “they” for gender neutrality in conversation, academic or formal writing still prefers a singular structure.

❌ Incorrect (formal): Someone left their notebook on the desk.
✅ Correct (formal): Someone left his or her notebook on the desk.

🗨️ Fix it: Use “his or her” in formal contexts, especially in essays, reports, or exams.

⚠️ Mistake 2: Confusing “Anything” with “Nothing” in Negative Sentences

These two are not interchangeable, especially with negative verbs.

❌ Incorrect: I didn’t eat nothing.
✅ Correct: I didn’t eat anything.
✅ Correct: I ate nothing.

🗨️ Fix it: If your verb is already negative (didn’t, can’t, won’t), use anything, not nothing.

⚠️ Mistake 3: Adding “of” After Pronouns That Don’t Need It

Some indefinite pronouns do not pair with “of” unless followed by a specific noun or pronoun.

❌ Incorrect: Each of arrived late.
✅ Correct: Each arrived late.
✅ Correct: Each of the students arrived late.

🗨️ Fix it: Only use “of” when followed by a noun or pronoun. Otherwise, drop it.

⚠️ Mistake 4: Treating “None” as Always Singular

“None” can be singular or plural, depending on the context.

❌ Incorrect: None of the apples is ripe. (sounds unnatural)
✅ Correct: None of the apples are ripe.

🗨️ Fix it: If you’re talking about countable items, use the plural verb.
Use a singular verb only with uncountable nouns like water or money.

⚠️ Mistake 5: Using “Every” Instead of “Each”

Learners often mix up each and every, but they are not the same.

❌ Incorrect: Every of them was happy.
✅ Correct: Each of them was happy.

🗨️ Fix it: Use “each of” when referring to individuals within a group. Use “every” without “of” for general references.

⚠️ Mistake 6: Incorrect Word Order in Questions

Indefinite pronouns in questions need proper placement to sound natural.

❌ Incorrect: Anybody did come to the meeting?
✅ Correct: Did anybody come to the meeting?

🗨️ Fix it: Follow standard question order—auxiliary verb + subject + main verb.

⚠️ Mistake 7: Using “Anything” for Positive Statements

“Anything” is generally used in questions and negatives, not positive statements.

❌ Incorrect: I want anything for lunch.
✅ Correct: I want something for lunch.

🗨️ Fix it: Use something in affirmative sentences, anything in questions/negatives.

⚠️ Mistake 8: Mixing Up “Neither” and “None”

These words are used in different contexts.

❌ Incorrect: Neither of the shirts are blue. (when more than two)
✅ Correct: None of the shirts are blue.
✅ Correct: Neither of the two shirts is blue.

🗨️ Fix it: Use “neither” when comparing two items, “none” for three or more.

⚠️ Mistake 9: Using “Much” with Countable Nouns

Much is only used with uncountable nouns.

❌ Incorrect: Much students joined the class.
✅ Correct: Many students joined the class.

🗨️ Fix it: Use many for countables (books, people), much for uncountables (water, time).

⚠️ Mistake 10: Using the Wrong Pronoun to Refer to Things

Avoid using “anyone” or “someone” when talking about things.

❌ Incorrect: I saw someone strange in the corner. (for an object)
✅ Correct: I saw something strange in the corner.

🗨️ Fix it: Use “–thing” words for objects and actions, “–one” or “–body” for people.

📝 20 Indefinite Pronoun Example Sentences for Better Understanding

Use these examples to see how indefinite pronouns work in everyday English. The sentences cover people, things, places, and a mix of positive, negative, and question forms.

✅ Indefinite Pronouns Referring to People

Someone forgot their bag in the classroom.
Is anybody home right now?
Everyone laughed at the joke.
No one answered the door when I knocked.
Anybody can learn English with regular practice.

✅ Indefinite Pronouns Referring to Things

I heard something fall in the kitchen.
There wasn’t anything to eat in the fridge.
Everything in this shop is handmade.
Nothing makes her happier than music.
Did you see anything unusual at the station?

✅ Indefinite Pronouns Referring to Places

Let’s go somewhere quiet to talk.
I couldn’t find him anywhere.
Nowhere feels as peaceful as home.
Is there anywhere I can charge my phone?
We should go somewhere new this weekend.

✅ Quantifiers and Group-Based Pronouns

Each of the students got a certificate.
All of them passed the test with high marks.
Many of us enjoy learning languages.
Few people know the truth behind the story.
None of the lights were working after the storm.

These examples show how flexible and common indefinite pronouns are. They help us express ideas about unspecified people, things, and places clearly and naturally in both casual and formal conversations.

✍️ Indefinite Pronoun Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

🧠 Fill in the blanks with the correct indefinite pronoun. Choose from words like:

👉 someone, everyone, nobody, anything, something, each, none, all, anybody, nothing, somewhere, nowhere, someone, anyone, everything, everything, many, few, much, anywhere

💡 Some blanks may have more than one possible answer, but choose the most natural and correct option for each.

🧩 Questions:

__________ left the lights on in the kitchen again!
I knocked twice, but __________ answered the door.
Have you seen my phone __________?
There’s __________ wrong with the printer—it’s making strange noises.
__________ is allowed to enter this area without a pass.
__________ of us want to visit the new museum next weekend.
I hope we can find __________ to sit during the concert.
__________ feels better after a good night’s sleep.
__________ was stolen from my bag.
I’m hungry, but there’s __________ in the fridge.
I spoke to __________ at the counter, but she didn’t seem to know the answer.
__________ in the office knows about the surprise party—don’t say a word!
__________ of the books on the shelf belongs to me.
__________ of the applicants had prior experience.
Is there __________ I can do to help?
There was __________ in the sky but stars.
I tried calling, but __________ picked up the phone.
__________ can make mistakes; it’s part of learning.
The children were excited because __________ brought gifts.
We looked for your wallet, but we couldn’t find it __________.

✅ Check Your Answers for the Indefinite Pronouns Exercise

Someone left the lights on in the kitchen again!
I knocked twice, but nobody answered the door.
Have you seen my phone anywhere?
There’s something wrong with the printer—it’s making strange noises.
No one is allowed to enter this area without a pass.
All of us want to visit the new museum next weekend.
I hope we can find somewhere to sit during the concert.
Everything feels better after a good night’s sleep.
Something was stolen from my bag.
I’m hungry, but there’s nothing in the fridge.
I spoke to someone at the counter, but she didn’t seem to know the answer.
Everyone in the office knows about the surprise party—don’t say a word!
Each of the books on the shelf belongs to me.
None of the applicants had prior experience.
Is there anything I can do to help?
There was nothing in the sky but stars.
I tried calling, but no one picked up the phone.
Anyone can make mistakes; it’s part of learning.
The children were excited because someone brought gifts.
We looked for your wallet, but we couldn’t find it anywhere.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Indefinite Pronouns

These are the most common questions English learners ask about indefinite pronouns like someone, anything, none, and others. Let’s answer them in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

🔸 1. What are indefinite pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns refer to people, things, or places without saying exactly who or what they are. Examples: someone, anything, everyone, nobody.

🔸 2. What’s the difference between “someone” and “anyone”?

Someone is used in positive sentences:
→ Someone is at the door.
Anyone is used in questions or negative sentences:
→ Did anyone call?
→ I didn’t see anyone.

🔸 3. Is “nobody” the same as “no one”?

Yes. Both mean not a single person.
→ Nobody was there. = No one was there.

Note: “No one” is slightly more formal than “nobody.”

🔸 4. Can I use “they” after indefinite pronouns?

Yes, especially in spoken and casual writing to avoid saying “he or she.”
→ If someone calls, tell them I’m out.

In formal writing, use “he or she” instead of “them.”

🔸 5. Are indefinite pronouns singular or plural?

Most are singular: someone, each, anybody, nobody.
But some can be plural: many, few, several, both.
Some are flexible: all, none, some (they depend on the context).

🔸 6. Can I use “nothing” in positive sentences?

No. “Nothing” is used in negative contexts.
→ There is nothing in the bag.
Using “nothing” in a positive sentence creates a double negative, which is incorrect.

🔸 7. What’s the difference between “anything” and “something”?

Use something in positive sentences:
→ She brought something to eat.
Use anything in questions or negatives:
→ Do you want anything?
→ He didn’t bring anything.

🔸 8. Can “none” be used with plural nouns?

Yes. “None” can be singular or plural, depending on the noun.
→ None of the students are late. (plural)
→ None of the milk is spoiled. (singular)

🔸 9. Can we start a sentence with an indefinite pronoun?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s very common.
→ Everybody loves a good story.
→ Nothing matters more than health.

🔸 10. Are these pronouns used in both formal and informal English?

Yes, but with slight preferences:

Someone, no one, everyone – more formal
Somebody, nobody, everybody – more casual

Use what feels natural based on the setting.

📌 Key Takeaways: Indefinite Pronouns Summary and Important Points

Use this section as a cheat sheet or revision tool. These are the most important things you need to remember about indefinite pronouns in English.

🔹 What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Words that refer to non-specific people, things, or places
Common examples: someone, anyone, nothing, everybody, everything, somewhere

🔹 Types of Indefinite Pronouns

People: someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, nobody, everyone, everybody
Things: something, anything, nothing, everything
Places: somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, everywhere
Quantities: each, all, none, many, few, much, several, one, both

🔹 Usage Rules

Most are singular (someone is, nothing was)
Some are plural (many are, few have)
Some are flexible based on context (all, some, none)
Use “of” only when followed by a noun or pronoun (each of them, none of the people)
Use “something” in positive sentences, “anything” in questions/negatives
Avoid double negatives (e.g., don’t say “I didn’t do nothing”)

🔹 Key Situations to Use Indefinite Pronouns

When you don’t know who/what exactly you’re talking about
When you’re being general or inclusive
To describe unknown people, objects, or places
To talk about quantities or amounts without naming them

🔹 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using “nothing” in a sentence that already has a negative verb
Confusing “someone” with “anyone”
Using “much” with countable nouns (use “many” instead)
Using “every” incorrectly with “of” (say “each of,” not “every of”)

🔹 Real-Life Examples and Practice

Sentences like “Nobody was there,” “Did you hear anything?” or “Everything is ready” show how natural these words are in English.

🎯 Conclusion: Mastering Indefinite Pronouns in English | My Language Classes

Indefinite pronouns are small but powerful words that make English clearer, smoother, and more expressive. Whether you’re talking about someone, nothing, everything, or anywhere, knowing how and when to use these words helps you speak and write with confidence and fluency.

You’ve now explored:

What indefinite pronouns are
How to use them correctly in everyday English
Examples, rules, tips, and common mistakes
Exercises to test and strengthen your skills

By practicing regularly and using these words in real-life situations, you’ll quickly see an improvement in how naturally and correctly you express ideas in English.

💡 Keep this guide handy and revisit it whenever you’re unsure about someone, anything, or nothing—literally!