What are Indefinite Pronouns? (with Examples)
An indefinite pronoun refers to a non-specific person or
thing.
The most common ones are: all, any, anyone, anything, each, everybody, everyone, everything, few, many, nobody, none, one, several, some, somebody, and someone. Like all pronouns, an indefinite pronoun is a substitute for a noun. |
Examples of Indefinite Pronouns
Here are some
examples of indefinite pronouns (shaded):
·
A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read. (Mark Twain,
1835-1910)
·
Of those who say nothing, few are silent. (Thomas Neill)
·
Everything is funny as long as it is
happening to somebody else.
(Will Rogers, 1879-1935)
·
Everybody likes a kidder, but nobody lends him money. (Arthur Miller,
1915-2005)
·
I don't know anything about music. In my line, you don't
have to. (Elvis Presley, 1935-1977)
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The Difference between Indefinite Pronouns and Indefinite
Adjectives
When a word
like all, any, anyone, etc. is used as an adjective, it is known as an indefinite adjective. (In the examples below,
the indefinite pronouns are shaded.)
·
All in the lobby must remain
seated.
(This is an
indefinite pronoun.)
·
All personnel in the lobby must
remain seated.
(This is an indefinite adjective. It modifies personnel.)
·
Please take some to Mrs Chandler.
(indefinite
pronoun)
·
Please take some lemons to Mrs Chandler.
(This is an
indefinite adjective. It modifies lemons.)
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Indefinite Pronouns Singular or Plural?
The biggest issue with indefinite pronouns is determining
whether they are singular or plural. Here is a list:
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Pronoun
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