INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

The indefinite pronouns are:

somebody

someone

something

anybody

anyone

anything

nobody

no one

nothing

everybody

everyone

everything

We use indefinite pronouns to refer to people or things without saying

exactly who or what they are. We use pronouns ending in -body or -one
for people, and pronouns ending in -thing for things:
Everybody enjoyed the concert.
I opened the door but there was no one at home.
It was a very clear day. We could see everything.
We use a singular verb after an indefinite pronoun:
Everybody loves Sally.
Everything was ready for the party.
When we refer back to an indefinite pronoun we normally use a plural
pronoun:
Everybody enjoyed the concert. They stood up and clapped.
I will tell somebody that dinner is ready. They have been waiting a
long time.
We can add -'s to an indefinite pronoun to make a possessive.

They were staying in somebodys house.

Is this anybodys coat?
We use indefinite pronouns with no- as the subject in negative
clauses (not pronouns with any.)
Anybody didnt come >> Nobody came.
We do not use another negative in a clause with nobody, no one or
nothing:
Nobody came.
Nothing happened.
We use else after indefinite pronouns to refer to people or things in
addition to the ones we already mentioned.
All the family came, but no one else.
If Michael cant come well ask somebody else.
So that's eggs, peas and chips. Do you want anything else?

EXERCISES

A) Choose the correct pronoun to complete each sentence.

1. I went to the Bakers house this morning, but there was ________________
home.
a) nobody / no one
b) nothing
2. The fridge is empty. We need to buy _______________ for dinner tonight.
a) somebody / someone
b) something
3. I dont want to talk to Stewart. I dont have _______________ to say to him.
a) anybody / anyone
b) anything
4. Ive left my wallet at home. Can _______________ lend me a bit of money?
a) somebody / someone
b) something
5. Isabelle is a really popular manager. _____________ likes and respects her.
a) Everybody / Everyone
b) Everything
6. Hello? Is ______________ there?
a) anybody / anyone
b) anything
7. Louise is a huge fan of Elvis Presley. She knows _______________ about
him.
a) everybody / everyone
b) everything
8. Ive had flu for the past three weeks and _______________ seems to make
it any better.
a) nobody / no one
b) nothing

B) Choose the best word to complete each sentence.

1. Everybody ______ saying that Nadal will win the match, but Im not sure.
a) is
b) are

2. If anybody has questions, _____________ very welcome to come and ask

me.
a) hes
b) theyre
3. Nobody in my family ______________ meat.
a) eat
b) eats
4. Somebody stole my wallet yesterday. ____________ took it from my desk.
a) He
b) They
5. Helena sent twenty job applications but _____________ replied.
a) nobody
b) anybody
6. My home town is the same as it was twenty years ago; nothing
____________ changed!
a) has
b) hasnt