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.

"Indefinite Pronouns" in English Grammar

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are used to refer to people or things without specifying exactly who or what they are.

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

Common Indefinite Pronouns

Common indefinite pronouns in English are:

Here are some examples of indefinite pronouns in sentence:

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' or '-one' refer to people, while indefinite pronouns ending in '-thing' refer to things or objects.

Negative Indefinite Pronouns

Pronouns that begin with 'no' and 'any' are classified as negative indefinite pronouns. They are used to convey a negative meaning in a sentence. The main difference between them is that 'no' is used in affirmative sentences, whereas 'any' is used in 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

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

Interrogative Pronouns

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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

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

Dummy Pronouns

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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

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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

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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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