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The word 'something' has two functions in English grammar. We will discover its functions and more in this lesson.
Something can be the indefinite pronoun to refer to a thing we do not know, or act as an adverb to modify an adjective. To learn more, follow the lesson.
1. 'Something' as an Indefinite Pronoun
Use
Something as an indefinite pronoun is mainly used to refer to a thing that we do not know or to refer to a thing that is not important. However, it has more functions; take a look:
- Something as an indefinite pronoun is used to refer to an unspecified, unknown thing:
I have
- Something can be used to indicate an unimportant thing or person in informal English:
Does he think he is
That small lake is
- Something is used to make a sentence less forceful or definite. It means 'to some degree' and is followed by 'of':
He is
- Something is used in combinations to indicate an unspecified amount. In other words, an amount that is more than a specified number:
The check is fifty-
Tip
Something can be used with 'or' to suggest another unspecified name, choice, etc. For example:
Are you angry
another feeling
Do you want this book
another book
Position in a Sentence
Something as an indefinite pronoun is used to act as the subject, object, subject complement, etc. If it acts as the subject, the verb must be singular.
That small lake is
Here, 'something' is the subject complement.
'Something' is the subject requiring a singular verb.
2. 'Something' as an Adverb
Use
Something as an adverb is used to modify adjectives and means 'slightly' or 'very.' Take a look:
- Something as an adverb indicates 'somewhat or slightly':
He is
That was not frightening. I was
- Something indicates emphasis and it means 'very':
My arm hurts
I would like to sleep 24 hours because I am
Position in a Sentence
Something as an adverb is used before adjectives to modify them. For example:
I am
My arm hurts
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