Indefinite Pronouns for intermediate learners

Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things without saying exactly who or what they are. In this lesson, we will learn more about these pronouns.

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"Indefinite Pronouns" in English Grammar

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that we use to refer to people or things without mentioning who or what exactly they are.

Indefinite pronouns do not directly refer to any particular person, animal or thing.

Common Indefinite Pronouns

Common indefinite pronouns are:

Here are some examples of indefinite pronouns:

There is something moving in the bushes.

Everyone enjoyed the party.

Let's just relax and do nothing.

Anyone could win tonight.

Tip!

Indefinite pronouns ending in '-body' refer to people, and indefinite pronouns ending in '-thing' refer to things.

Negative Indefinite Pronouns

Pronouns starting with 'no' and 'any' are negative indefinite pronouns. We use them to give a negative meaning to a sentence. The big difference is that we use 'no' with affirmative sentences and 'any' with negative sentences or questions.

There is nothing in this box. (Not 'There is anything in this box.')

There isn't anything in this box. (Not 'There isn't something in this box.')

Is there anything in this box? (Not 'Is there nothing is this box?')

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Emphatic Pronouns

'Emphatic pronouns' are used to refer to a noun or a pronoun mentioned earlier. So they give more detailed information.

Interrogative Pronouns

There are five interrogative pronouns in English. Each is used to ask a specific question. In this lesson, we will learn more about these pronouns.

Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns show ownership and indicate that something belongs to someone particular. With their help, we can make a possessive phrase shorter.

Dummy Pronouns

Dummy pronouns function grammatically the same as other pronouns, except they do not refer to a person or thing like normal pronouns do.

Reciprocal Pronouns

When two or more people are doing the same thing and receiving the consequences of that action at the same time we use reciprocal pronouns.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns are matchmakers of English grammar. They come in the beginning of relative clauses and join two clauses together. Ready to learn about them?

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