Indefinite Pronouns

What are Indefinite Pronouns ?

Indefinite Pronouns refer to persons or things in a general way (and not any particular person or thing).

It is used to tell about indefinite numbers and quantity. So, it gives an indication of uncertainty.

E.g. both, all, some, one, none, few, little, any, many, much, more, most, half, enough, several
Also these → Every/Some/No/Any + body/one/thing

Some people are eccentric.
One should fulfil one’s duties.
None but fools will believe that.

None is a shortened form of not one; yet it is commonly used with plural verbs.

Some other words may also function as Indefinite Pronouns, e.g. they, other/others.

They say that the ship broke in half before it sank. (They – it means people in general)
They say that Lehman Brothers has gone bankrupt. (They - some people)

One or other of us will constantly be there with you.
You should do good to others.

Singular and Plural Indefinite Pronouns

There are many Indefinite Pronouns that are:

  • Singular – they will take singular verbs
  • Plural – they will take plural verbs
  • A few of them can be both singular and plural.

A list has been provided below:
Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns that end in –body,–one, and –thing are always singular.

Every/Some/No/Any + body/one

Let us see the pronouns that we can use in place of Every/Some/No/Any + body/one.

Concept 1

In referring to anybody, everybody, everyone, anyone, each etc., the pronoun ‘he’ or ‘she’ is used according to the context.

In case of these pronouns, we generally use pronouns according to ‘he’.
Everybody has done their best. (incorrect)
Everybody has done his best. (correct)

In case of ‘women’, use pronoun according to ‘she’.
There are a number of girls in the classroom and everybody knows how to enjoy himself. (incorrect)
There are a number of girls in the classroom and everybody knows how to enjoy herself. (correct)

In case of ‘both man and women’, use ‘he or she’.
Among these boys and girls nobody has absented himself so far.

Concept 2

In case of question tag, we use pronoun ‘they’.

Nobody has arrived yet, have they?

Every/Some/No/Any + thing

Let us see the pronouns that we can use in place of Every/Some/No/Any + thing, i.e. Everything/Something/Nothing/Anything.

Concept 1

Pronoun for them will be used according to ‘it’

Nothing happens themselves in this world. (incorrect)
Nothing happens itself in this world. (correct)

Concept 2

In case of question tag, we use ‘it’.

Something is fishy, aren’t they? (incorrect)
Something is fishy, isn’t it? (correct)

Extra Books and Tools


1. Wren & Martin - This book has been around for long and is still considered one of the best.

Links for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries:

High School English Grammar and Composition Paperback

Key to Wren and Martin

Link for Indian readers: Wren and Martin


2. More advanced learners may refer to the following books. However, buy them only if you must.

A. Essential English Grammar by Raymond Murphy

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: Essential Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Essential English Grammar

B. Intermediate English Grammar by Raymond Murphy

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: English Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Intermediate English Grammar

C. Advanced English Grammar by Martin Hewings

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: Advanced Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Advanced English Grammar


So much so for Englsh Grammar. But what about Comprehension skills and Vocabulary?

For this, I prefer to read on gadgets like Kindle. We may just tap on any word and see its meaning there and then. It's also not taxing on the eyes. There are a multitude of Kindle models and versions available. Though, any model will meet our basic reading needs.

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries:

Link for Indian readers: Kindle

If you want to know more about such recommended books, you may read this article of ours.
Previous
Next
Share on: