Indefinite Adjective: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll discover the world of Indefinite Adjectives in English grammar. We'll explore what they are, how to use them, and why they're important. You'll find examples, tips, a quiz, and more to help you become a grammar superstar!
What is an Indefinite Adjective?
Indefinite Adjective Definition: An Indefinite Adjective is a word that describes a noun in a non-specific or general way. Common indefinite adjectives include some, many, few, several, any, each, every, all, both, either, neither, much, more, most, and other.
Why are Indefinite Adjectives Important? They help us talk about people or things in a general way, without being exact. For example, "Many students like pizza."
Function in Grammar
Indefinite adjectives are used before nouns to talk about an unknown or not exact number or amount. They help us speak generally, rather than specifically. For example:
- Some children are playing outside.
- Few people know the answer.
- All students must attend the meeting.
Indefinite Adjective vs Definite Adjective
| Indefinite Adjective | Definite Adjective |
|---|---|
| some | the |
| many | this |
| few | that |
| several | these |
An indefinite adjective gives a general idea, while a definite adjective points to something specific.
📌 Indefinite Adjective Challenge!
Can you spot the indefinite adjectives in these sentences?
- Many birds are singing.
- Few cookies are left.
- All children must listen.
Show Answers
- Many
- Few
- All
Examples of Indefinite Adjectives in Sentences
- Some students are absent today.
- Many people love ice cream.
- Few cars were on the road.
- Several books are missing.
- All children must wear uniforms.
- Each student has a pencil.
- Every child gets a prize.
- Both answers are correct.
- Either option is fine.
- Neither team won the game.
- Much work is needed.
- More juice is available.
- Most people agree.
- Other students are waiting.
Notice how each indefinite adjective gives a general idea about the noun.
List of Indefinite Adjectives
- some
- many
- few
- several
- any
- each
- every
- all
- both
- either
- neither
- much
- more
- most
- other
Indefinite Adjective Usage
| Adjective | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| some | An unspecified amount | Some apples are red. |
| many | A large number | Many students participated. |
| few | A small number | Few people know the answer. |
| all | Every one of a group | All children must listen. |
Use indefinite adjectives to talk about nouns in a general way.
Special Rules and Notes
- Placement: Indefinite adjectives always come before the noun they describe.
- Generalization: Use them when you don't want to be specific.
- Not Pronouns: Don't confuse indefinite adjectives (some students) with indefinite pronouns (some are absent).
- Agreement: Make sure the adjective agrees with the noun in number (many books, much water).
- Each vs Every: "Each" refers to individual items, "every" refers to all items as a group.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Indefinite Adjective!
Which words are indefinite adjectives in these sentences?
- Some children are playing.
- Many people like chocolate.
- Few students finished early.
- All kids must participate.
- Several books are missing.
Answers: Some, Many, Few, All, Several
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an adjective?
An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, providing more information about its qualities, characteristics, or attributes.
How do you identify an adjective?
Adjectives answer questions like "What kind?", "Which one?", "How many?", or "How much?" about nouns.
What are the different types of adjectives?
Common types include descriptive adjectives, quantitative adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, possessive adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and proper adjectives.
Where do adjectives usually appear in a sentence?
Adjectives usually come before the noun they describe, but they can also come after linking verbs like "is," "are," "was," and "were."
Can adjectives be compared?
Yes, many adjectives have comparative and superlative forms to show degrees of comparison (e.g., tall, taller, tallest).
Conclusion
Indefinite adjectives help us talk about things in a general way. Practice using them in your writing and speaking to sound more natural and fluent in English!