Indefinite Pronoun


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Indefinite Pronoun

Indefinite Pronoun: are words that refer to persons or things in generaland not to anything specific.

A pronoun that refers to person or thing in a general way (not in a definite way) is called indefinite pronoun. The indefinite pronouns everybody, anybody, somebody, all  each, every, some, none, one do not act for specific nouns, but function themselves as nouns.

Indefinite pronouns may be used without antecedents. e.g.

   (a) One cannot get everything one desires.

   (b) I will try to think of somebody who can help you.

ThingsPeople
SometingSomeone or somebody
Anythinganyone or anybody
Everythingeveryone or everybody
Nothingno one or nobody

How Do you use them ?

1.  You use an indefinite pronoun when you are not referring to any particular person or thing :

  • There's something struck to the bottom of my shoe.
  • Are there enough seats for everybody ?
  • 2.  The pronouns anything and anyone/anybody are often used in place of something and someone/somebody in questions and negative sentences :

  • I thought I heard someone call my name. Is anyone there ?
  • I need someting to wear to Jane's wedding. I don't have anything smart enough.
  • 3.  You can put an adjective after an indefinite pronoun :

  • Did you meet anybody interesting at the party ?
  • Nothing definite has been decided.
  • 4.  The indefinite pronouns are singular. You use them with a singular verb, for example :

  • Is anybody going to meet you at the station ?
  • No one makes better curry than you do.
  • 5.  However, you may use the plural pronouns they, them and themselves, and the plural determiner their to refer to someone/somebody, anyone/anybody, everyone/everybody and no one/nobody :

  • Somebody has left their coat behind.
  • Can everyone see themselves in the mirror ?
  • 6.  Some people prefer to use he or she, him or her, himself or herself and his or her to refer to these indefinite pronouns :

  • Somebody has left his or her coat behind.
  • Can everyone see himself or herself in the mirror ?
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Identify the correct indefinite pronoun in the following sentence : -

    I will try to think of somebody who can help you.

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Identify the correct indefinite pronoun in the following sentences : -

    1. Has everyone completed the work that was assigned for today?

    2. I don't have anything smart enough.

    3. Somebody has left his or her coat behind.

    Right Option : C
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Out of the four alternatives , choose the correct indefinite pronoun which can be placed in the following blank part .

    __________ can make a mistake.You should not be over confident.

    Right Option : A
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
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