Indefinite pronouns

1. Concept of indefinite pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns are words that do not refer specifically to a person or thing but only speak in general terms.

Some common indefinite pronouns are as somebody, anything, all.

2. Position of indefinite pronouns

Because they are a type of pronoun, indefinite pronouns can appear in the following positions:

• Subject
• object
• After the preposition (in a prepositional phrase)

For example:

• Subject: Every body is here.
• Object: He invited every body to his birthday party.
• After preposition: He lied to everybody in the office.

He invited everybody to his birthday party.

3. Indefinite pronouns in English

✅ Summary:

• When using indefinite pronouns in English, you need to pay attention to using singular or plural verbs to match the pronoun.
• Some only use singular verbs, some only use plural verbs, some can use singular or plural verbs depending on the situation.
• We also have a structure for pronouns to express their meaning more clearly: Indefinite pronoun + OF + Noun phrase.
• This noun phrase must have a determiner the or a possessive adjective (my, your, their ...)

➢ Summary table of indefinite pronouns in English

➢ In the words above:

• The words in the column "Singular pronouns used for people" and column "Singular pronouns used for things" use singular verbs.
• The words in the column "Pronouns used for 2 people or 2 things" use plural verbs: (Except either and neither Use only singular verbs.)
• The words in the column "Pronouns used for both singular and plural" use singular or plural verbs depending on the situation, specifically:
  • Use a singular verb if the pronoun is referring to an uncountable noun. For example: Some was added later, If some is pointing to sugar, an uncountable noun.
  • Use a plural verb if the pronoun is referring to a plural noun. For example: Some were added later, If some is pointing to words, a plural noun.
  • Particular pronouns none:
    • ​Instead of uncountable nouns: use singular verbs.
    • Instead of plural nouns: use either a plural verb or a singular verb.
  • Others and the others Can only use plural verbs.

➢ How to use indefinite pronouns

For example:

• Everybody is waiting for the bus.
• If you need anything, just let me know.
• Neither wanted to go home.
• Some didn''t finish their homework.

4. Indefinite pronouns indicate quantity

Summary table of indefinite pronouns indicating quantity

➢ In addition to the indefinite pronouns above, in English there are also determiner pronouns that indicate slightly more specific quantity:

➢ In the words above:

• The words in the "Singular Pronouns" column use singular verbs.
• The words in the "Plural Pronouns" column take plural verbs.
• The words in the "Singular or Plural Pronoun" column use singular or plural verbs depending on the context, namely:
  • Use a singular verb if the pronoun is referring to an uncountable noun. For example: More was added later, If more is pointing to sugar, an uncountable noun.
  • Use a plural verb if the pronoun is referring to a plural noun. For example: More were added later, If more is pointing to words, a plural noun
• The words in the "Uncountable pronouns" column use singular verbs.

How to use indefinite pronouns to indicate quantity

• Let's look at some examples to understand how to use the above words:
• Among the students, only one failed the exam.
• Few were chosen.
• There are thousands of verbs in English and most are regular.
• I understood little of what he said.

I understood little of what he said.

Similar to the indefinite pronouns in section 3, we also have a structure for pronouns to express their meaning more clearly: Indefinite pronoun + OF + Noun phrase.

✎ NOTE: This noun phrase must have a determiner the or a possessive adjective (my, your, their ...)

For example:

• I took one of the pencils home.
• Many feel that the rule should be changed.