Indefinite Pronoun

Definition of Indefinite Pronoun

Pronouns that do not refer to any specific person, amount or thing are known as indefinite pronouns. They include words with prefixes any, no, every, and some or with suffixes -body, -thing, -one, etc.

Examples of Some Common Indefinite Pronouns

Types of Indefinite Pronouns

1. Singular Indefinite Pronoun

1. We use a singular verb with singular indefinite pronouns.
2. Examples are anyone, anything, anybody, neither, no body, no one, etc.
3. Singular indefinite pronouns used in a sentence: Can anyone drive?

2.Plural Indefinite Pronoun

1. We use plural verbs with plural indefinite pronouns.
2. Examples are many, both, few, several, other, fewer, etc
3. Plural indefinite pronoun used in sentence: Many of you did really well.

3. Indefinite Pronouns that Can be Both Singular and Plural

1. There are some indefinite pronouns that can be both singular and plural.
2. Examples are some, most, more, none, any and all.
3. Usage: None of the students submitted their assignment.

How are Indefinite Pronouns Used in Sentences

1. In a sentence, indefinite pronouns can be used as either the subject or the object. For example, ‘Someone is waiting for you.’, ‘I am waiting for someone.’ Both sentences are correct. Whether an indefinite pronoun is used as the subject or object in the sentence, its form remains the same.
2. Adjectives can be used to change indefinite pronouns, but they must come after the pronoun and not before it. For example, There’s something else I want to show you.
3. When we use singular indefinite pronouns we only use singular verbs. For example, Something smells good in this room.
4. When we use plural indefinite pronouns we always use plural verbs. For example, Many of the students are absent.
5. The word none means ‘not any’ or ‘not one’, we use singular verbs with it. For example, None of us expected the surprise party.

Indefinite Pronouns in Negative Sentences

1. Indefinite pronouns can be used to express absence of something. For example, He wanted to buy a scrapbook, but none were available at the stationary shop.
2. We can also use ‘not’ to express negation with indefinite pronouns in a sentence. Pronouns with the prefix ‘no-’ or ‘some-’ should not be used with the word ‘not’.
3. One should always be careful of double negatives as they may create confusion.

Indefinite Pronouns in Questions

1. Different indefinite pronouns can affect the meaning of a question.
2. We use indefinite pronouns with the prefix every- or any- when we ask genuine questions we do not know the answer to. For example, Do you need anything?
3. When we ask questions we somewhat know the answer to as ‘yes’, we use indefinite pronoun with prefixes like some-. For example, Do you need something?

Click Here to Read About: Intensive Pronouns

Common Mistakes with Indefinite Articles

1. Students often make subject-verb agreement errors. They may use plural verbs with singular indefinite pronouns. For example, ‘None of the students were happy’ is an
2. incorrect sentence as we always use singular verbs with ‘none’. Therefore, the correct sentence will be ‘None of the students was happy.’
3. Some students may use double negatives with indefinite pronouns. For example, instead of saying ‘I don’t want none of it’, one should say ‘I don’t want any of it.’
4. Students may use indefinite pronouns incorrectly. For example, students may use ‘each’ with plural nouns like ‘each of the students have a textbook.’ is incorrect. The correct
5. way to write this sentence is ‘each of the students has a textbook.’

Usage of Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences

→ Nobody knows how to solve that question.
→ Everyone should work hard.
→ No one was at the party when I arrived.
→ Neither of them likes desserts.
→ Most of the cake is gone.

FAQs

1. What is an indefinite pronoun?

Answer: Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not specifically refer to a person, amount or a thing. For example, There is nothing left in the fridge.

2. What are the types of indefinite pronouns?

Answer: There are three types of indefinite pronouns. These are: Singular indefinite pronoun, plural indefinite pronoun and indefinite pronoun that can be both singular and plural

3. Can an indefinite pronoun be a subject?

Answer: Indefinite pronouns can act as a subject and as an object in a sentence. For example, ‘Everyone is invited to attend the party.’ In this sentence ‘Everyone’ is the subject.
‘I have invited everyone to attend the party.’ In this sentence ‘Everyone’ is the object.