What Are Indefinite Pronouns and How to Use Them?

Indefinite pronouns are used to refer to people, things, and places without specifying who, what, or where they are. For people, we use pronouns ending in -body or -one, whereas for things, we use pronouns ending in -thing, and for places, we use pronouns ending in -where.

Types of indefinite pronouns in English

1. When referring to people, indefinite English pronouns usually end in -body or -one: anybody, everybody, nobody, somebody, anyone, everyone, no one, someone.
2. When referring to things, indefinite English pronouns usually end in -thing: anything, everything, nothing, something.
3. When referring to places, indefinite English pronouns usually end in -where: anywhere, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere.

Indefinite pronouns in affirmative sentences and questions

Indefinite pronouns with “some” are used to describe an indefinite quantity.

Someone is knocking on the door.

Somebody was looking for you.

Something is in the bathroom.

I want to go somewhere after this month.

“Some” is also used for asking for polite requests or offers.

Do you want some water?

Can I have some water?

Can somebody help me?

How about some tea?

Indefinite pronouns with “every” are used to indicate a complete quantity.

Everyone likes the food.

Everybody is invited to the celebration.

Everything is fine here.

She looked for him everywhere.

Pronouns with “no” are used to express an absence.

No one is knocking on the door.

Nobody saw the suspect.

There is nothing in the fridge.

He was nowhere in the house.

Indefinite pronouns in negative sentences and questions

In negative statements, indefinite pronouns with “any” are used.

I didn’t see anyone in my room.
Or
I saw nobody in my room.

Don’t tell anybody what you saw.

I don’t have anything to wear.
Or
I have nothing to wear.

She can’t find him anywhere.

Negative sentences with indefinite pronouns with “any” can be paraphrased with the pronouns with “no.” This way, the sentences are affirmative with a slight difference in meaning. It can express anger, irritation, frustration, etc.

I didn’t see anyone in my room.—I saw nobody in my room.

I don’t have anything to wear.—I have nothing to wear.

“Any” is also used in questions or for asking for requests.

Can anyone help me?

Did anybody understand?

Is there any food left?

Can you give me any information about him?

Try it on your own!

Try to fill in the blanks below using the indefinite pronouns that you have learned.

Would you like _____ cake?

She can’t see _____ on the road because of the fog.

I want to cook, but there is _____ that I can use.

The audience liked her performance. _____ is cheering for her.