Indefinite Pronoun: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Indefinite Pronouns in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is an Indefinite Pronoun?
Indefinite Pronoun Definition: An Indefinite Pronoun is a word that refers to non-specific people, places, or things. Unlike personal pronouns that refer to specific individuals, indefinite pronouns refer to general or unknown people or things.
Why are Indefinite Pronouns Important? They help us refer to people or things without being specific about who or what they are, making our language more flexible, inclusive, and natural in everyday communication.
Function in Grammar
Indefinite pronouns are used to replace nouns when we don't want to be specific about who or what we're referring to. They can function as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences. For example:
- Without Indefinite Pronouns: A person left their keys here. Every person is invited to the party.
- With Indefinite Pronouns: Someone left their keys here. Everyone is invited to the party.
Indefinite Pronoun vs Personal Pronoun: Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific people or things (e.g., someone, everyone), while personal pronouns refer to specific people or things (e.g., he, she, they).
Indefinite Pronoun vs Personal Pronoun
| Personal Pronoun | Indefinite Pronoun |
|---|---|
| he, she, they | someone, anyone, everyone |
| it, this, that | something, anything, everything |
| we, you, I | all, some, none, most |
| them, us, me | many, few, several, others |
| his, her, their | each, either, neither, one |
A personal pronoun refers to specific people or things, while an indefinite pronoun refers to non-specific people or things.
📌 Indefinite Pronoun Challenge!
Can you identify which words are indefinite pronouns in these sentences?
- Someone left their umbrella here.
- Everyone is welcome to join the party.
- Nothing is impossible if you try hard.
Show Answers
- Someone
- Everyone
- Nothing
Examples of Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences
- Someone knocked on the door.
- Anyone can learn to cook.
- Everyone enjoyed the movie.
- Nobody knows the answer.
- Something smells delicious.
- Anything is possible.
- Everything will be fine.
- Nothing matters more than family.
- Many have tried this before.
- Few understand the complexity.
- All are welcome here.
- Some prefer tea over coffee.
- None of the students failed.
- Most people love chocolate.
- Each student received a book.
Notice how each indefinite pronoun refers to non-specific people or things and makes sentences more natural and inclusive.
Types of Indefinite Pronouns
- Singular Indefinite Pronouns: someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, somebody, anybody, everybody, no one, something, anything, everything, nothing, each, either, neither, one
- Plural Indefinite Pronouns: several, few, many, others, both
- Both Singular and Plural: all, some, none, most, any, more (depending on context)
- People-focused: someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, somebody, anybody, everybody, no one
- Thing-focused: something, anything, everything, nothing
- Quantity-focused: many, few, several, all, some, none, most, each, either, neither
Indefinite Pronoun Chart
| Category | Singular | Plural | Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| People | someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, somebody, anybody, everybody, no one | several, few, many, others | all, some, none, most |
| Things | something, anything, everything, nothing | few, many, several | all, some, none, most |
| Quantity | each, either, neither, one | both, few, many, several | all, any, more, most, some |
Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs, plural ones take plural verbs, and some can be both depending on context.
Special Rules and Notes
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs (e.g., Everyone is here, not Everyone are here).
- Plural Agreement: Plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs (e.g., Many are coming, not Many is coming).
- Context-Dependent: Some indefinite pronouns can be both singular and plural depending on context (e.g., All is lost vs All are welcome).
- Questions: Indefinite pronouns can be used in questions: "Is anyone there?" "Does everyone understand?"
- Negative Sentences: They can be used in negative sentences: "Nobody came to the party." "Nothing is impossible."
- Adjective Use: Some indefinite pronouns can be used as adjectives: "Some people like coffee." "Many students study hard."
- Possessive Forms: Some indefinite pronouns can be made possessive: "Everyone's opinion matters." "Someone's book is missing."
- Compound Forms: Some indefinite pronouns can be combined with other words: "no one," "every one," "any one."
Quick Quiz: Spot the Indefinite Pronoun!
Which words are indefinite pronouns in these sentences?
- Someone is at the door waiting for you.
- Everyone loves pizza and ice cream.
- Nothing is impossible if you believe.
- Many have tried this recipe before.
- All are welcome to join the celebration.
- Some prefer tea while others like coffee.
- Nobody knows the secret password.
- Everything will be fine in the end.
Answers: Someone, Everyone, Nothing, Many, All, Some, Nobody, Everything
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- Everyone are going to the party. (Incorrect)
- Many is coming to the meeting. (Incorrect)
- Somebody left their keys here. (Incorrect)
Show Corrected Sentences
- Everyone is going to the party. (Everyone is singular)
- Many are coming to the meeting. (Many is plural)
- Someone left their keys here. (Someone is more formal than somebody)
Conclusion
Understanding indefinite pronouns is key to writing and speaking English clearly and accurately. Indefinite pronouns help you refer to non-specific people or things and make your language more flexible and inclusive. Always remember to match singular indefinite pronouns with singular verbs and plural ones with plural verbs. Pay attention to context when using pronouns that can be both singular and plural. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the easier it gets!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an indefinite pronoun?
An indefinite pronoun is a word that refers to non-specific people, places, or things, such as someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, something, anything, everything, or nothing.
What are examples of indefinite pronouns?
Examples include someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, something, anything, everything, nothing, many, few, all, some, none, most, each, either, neither.
How do indefinite pronouns agree with verbs?
Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs (Everyone is here), while plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs (Many are coming).
What is the difference between indefinite and personal pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific people or things (someone, everyone), while personal pronouns refer to specific people or things (he, she, they).
Can indefinite pronouns be both singular and plural?
Yes, some indefinite pronouns like all, some, none, and most can be both singular and plural depending on context (All is lost vs All are welcome).