Grammar Bank
Lesson 2
Indefinite Pronouns

Prefix and type of sentence |  | (People) -body/ -one |  | (Things)-thing |  | (Places)-where

some + ? |  | somebody someone |  | something |  | somewhere

any - ? + |  | anybody anyone |  | anything |  | anywhere

no + |  | nobody no one |  | nothing |  | nowhere

every + - ? |  | everybody everyone |  | everything |  | everywhere

We use indefinite pronouns when we talk about people, things and places without using their name.
Someone told me the story of the brave women. (= I don't know his/her name.)
Somewhere out there, the plane may still be. (= We don't know exactly where.)
They didn't eat anything yesterday. (= They ate no food.)
Did they see anyone? (= It doesn't matter who.)
We use indefinite pronouns with some - in affirmative sentences, and indefinite pronouns with any - in questions and negatives.
However, we can use some - in questions if we are making a request or an offer.
Can I have something else?
Would you like someone to help you?
We use indefinite pronouns with every - and no - to mean all and none. We use them with a singular verb.
Everybody remembers her as a symbol of strength and inspiration. (= all the people remember)
She found nothing in the box. (=She didn't see anything in the box.)
Everywhere is crowded. (= all places)
They have looked everywhere. (= in all places)