LoginAssertive Pro-forms
In this lesson we learn about assertive pro-forms, which are essential parts of a sentence used to make assertive statements by substituting specific words or phrases. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Assertive Pro-forms?
An assertive pro-form is an indefinite pro-form which is used to select an unspecified set of people or items with a specific or known feature. Also known as positive polarity-sensitive items, assertive pro-forms are typically associated with affirmative declarative sentences.
Assertive Pro-forms: Usage
Assertive pro-forms are used to assert existence of a specific instance. By employing assertive pro-forms, we can reinforce the assertion and emphasize our confidence in the statement.
Assertive Pro-forms: Types
Certain determiners, pronouns, and adverbs are usually used in affirmative contexts. Let's have a look:
Tip!
There are some uncommon assertive words that are rarely used. Here is the list:
somewhence (adverb of source)
somewhither (adverb of purpose)
somewhen (adverb of time)
somewhy (adverb of reason)
Assertive Pro-forms in Affirmative Statements
Assertive words are used in affirmative statements to refer to an existing entity that is either unknown or unspecified. In such cases, assertive pro-forms are used to convey a general idea without specifying the exact entity. Compare the examples:
✓ Sally met somebody.
Use of 'somebody' shows that we know for a fact that Sally met a person. We are sure it happened, so we use an assertive forms.
✗ Sally met anybody.
This sentence doesn't sound right. Use of past tense shows the event happened and we are assertive Sally met someone. Therefore using a non-assertive form is incorrect.
Take a look at more examples:
✓ He went out with somebody last night.
✗ He went out with anybody last night.
I feel like something is wrong.
I know somebody who might know the answer.
Assertive Pro-forms in Questions
Typically, non-assertive words are used in questions, because the nature of a question assumes that the speaker cannot affirm existence of the person or thing they are asking about. In other words, the speaker is genuinely seeking information and is not making any assumptions about their existence. For example:
Why would anyone want to do that?
Have you heard anything about their new album?
However, assertive forms might sometimes be used in questions to imply a positive expectation or to make an offer or request.
In other words, if assertive forms are used in questions, it shows that the speaker has assumed the thing being questioned does indeed exist. Let's see some examples:
Do you have anything to drink?
This is a genuine question.
Do you want something to drink?
This is an offer.
Let's see another set of examples:
Do you have any change?
Do you have some change?
Here, the speaker expects a positive answer.
Assertive Pro-forms in Negative Sentences
Negative sentences are typically associated with non-assertive forms. Assertive pro-forms are not used in such contexts.
✓ I didn't like anyone at the party.
✗ I didn't like someone at the party.
This sentence means the speaker doesn't like cats in general.
✓ I don't need anything.
✗ I don't need something.
Warning!
Don't confuse the quantifier "some" with its assertive pro-form counterpart. Quantifiers can be used in negative sentences without restrictions, but assertive pro-forms are usually preserved for affirmative contexts. Look at the example below:
✓ I did not agree with some of her ideas.
Tip!
Sometimes, using an assertive word in a negative sentence means the speaker is being sarcastic or is implying something that they do not want to express openly. For example:
Somebody didn't pay their share tonight.
Here, the speaker clearly knows who did not pay their share but doesn't want to say who. That's why the speaker is using an assertive word.
Assertive Pro-forms in Conditionals
Conditional clauses express doubt. So naturally, non-assertive words are used in such sentences. Except for cases that break this norm and form a marked clause.
When assertive forms are used in conditional sentences, they actually do not form a condition; rather, they make a suggestion or assert a belief in truth of the condition. For example:
If you're tired, sit anywhere you like.
If you're tired, sit somewhere you like.
If you need something, please ask me.
Here, the speaker is sure that the audience needs something and is not actually expressing a condition.
Warning
Some verbs express an assertive meaning. Therefore, they are used with assertive pronouns/determiners. Pay attention to the examples:
We expect some flooding after all this rain.
I know some people who can help you.
I doubt it'll make any difference.
(Doubt is a verb that needs non-assertive words.)
Somewhat vs. At All
'Somewhat' is used only in affirmative sentences and cannot be used in negative sentences. On the other hand, 'at all' is used only in negative sentences and cannot be used in positive sentences.
Things have changed somewhat. (Not 'Things have changed at all.')
Things haven't changed at all. (Not 'Things haven't changed somewhat.')
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses an assertive pro-form?
Have you seen anything unusual today?
He invited somebody to the meeting.
If you are lost, ask anyone for help.
I don't want to talk to somebody.
Sort the words to form a grammatically correct sentence with an assertive pro-form.
Match each assertive pro-form with its description.
Fill the blanks with the appropriate assertive pro=form based on the context. (There is one extra option.)
I left my keys
in the house, but I can’t remember where.
She wants to talk to
about the project before making a final decision.
He must have arrived
around noon, but I didn’t see him.
This book is
difficult to understand, but it's worth reading.
There must be
wrong with the printer; it keeps showing an error.
Which sentence is incorrect?
She doubts someone will arrive soon.
I believe someone called while you were out.
We expected something to happen soon.
She knew something was wrong with the report.
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