Singular and Plural Indefinite Pronouns: Rules and Examples
Indefinite pronouns are important in school English, exams, and everyday writing. They help you mention people or things without naming them specifically. Understanding these pronouns can improve your clarity, confidence, and marks in English grammar.
| Indefinite Pronoun | Type (Singular/Plural/Both) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | Singular | Everyone is here early. |
| Many | Plural | Many were absent today. |
| Some | Both | Some of the water is gone. Some of the players are tired. |
| Nothing | Singular | Nothing seems right. |
| Few | Plural | Few remembered the answer. |
What Are Indefinite Pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns in English grammar are pronouns that refer to unspecific people or things. Instead of pointing out a particular person or object, they give a general meaning. For example, “everyone” and “somebody” do not indicate a specific individual.
List of Common Indefinite Pronouns
These pronouns help when you want to talk about people or things in a general sense. Below is a list separated by type.
- Always Singular: anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, someone, somebody, something, another
- Always Plural: both, few, many, others, several
- Singular or Plural (depends on meaning): all, any, more, most, none, some
Twenty Indefinite Pronouns in Sentences
Using indefinite pronouns in real sentences helps you understand them better. Here are examples for your school and daily writing practice:
- Someone left a book on the table.
- Everyone is ready for the test.
- No one answered the phone.
- Anyone can join the club.
- Everything looks perfect today.
- Nothing is impossible if you try.
- Somebody called your name.
- Something smells delicious.
- Many have read this novel already.
- Several want to participate in sports.
- Few understood the chapter well.
- All are invited to the event.
- Some of the juice is left.
- Most have finished their homework.
- Each must bring their notebook.
- Any of these pens will do.
- None of the answers were correct.
- Anybody can answer this question.
- Both like to play chess.
- Others arrived late to class.
Singular, Plural, and Both: How Indefinite Pronouns Work
Some indefinite pronouns always use singular verbs (e.g., “Everyone is here”). Others take plural verbs (“Few are coming”). A few, such as “some” or “none”, depend on the noun they refer to.
- Singular: “Each of the boys has a book.”
- Plural: “Several were present at the meeting.”
- Both: “Some of the apples are fresh.” / “Some of the water is cold.”
Common Mistakes and Quick Tips for Indefinite Pronouns
Students often use plural verbs with singular indefinite pronouns. Remember, “Everybody is happy,” not “Everybody are happy.” Verbs must match the type of pronoun.
- Words ending in -body, -one, -thing (“somebody”, “everyone”, “anything”) are usually singular.
- “Few”, “both”, “many”, “others”, and “several” are always plural.
- Check the noun after “some”, “all”, “none”: is it countable or uncountable?
Practice Worksheet: Indefinite Pronouns
Try these for extra practice. For more exercises, visit the Pronoun Exercises page on Vedantu.
| Exercise Type | Sample Question | Your Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Fill in the blank | __________ has eaten the last piece of cake. | [someone] |
| Choose the correct sentence | a) Everyone are happy. b) Everyone is happy. |
[b] |
| Error correction | Few is interested in the show. | Few are interested in the show. |
Indefinite pronouns let you refer to people or things in a general way. They can be singular, plural, or either, based on context. Mastering their use is key for clear writing, good grammar, and strong performance in school and exams.
FAQs on Indefinite Pronouns in English Grammar
1. What is an indefinite pronoun?
An indefinite pronoun is a word that refers to non-specific people, places, things, or amounts. Unlike definite pronouns (like *he*, *she*, *it*, *they*), indefinite pronouns don't point to a particular noun. They refer to something or someone vaguely or generally. Examples include someone, everyone, something, nothing, many, and few.
2. What are some examples of indefinite pronouns?
Here are some common indefinite pronouns, categorized for easier understanding:
• **Singular:** anyone, someone, everyone, no one, nobody, anything, something, everything, nothing, each, either, neither, one
• **Plural:** both, few, many, several
• **Singular or Plural:** all, any, none, more, most, some
3. How do I know if an indefinite pronoun is singular or plural?
The number (singular or plural) of an indefinite pronoun depends on its meaning in the sentence. Some are always singular (e.g., *everyone*, *someone*), some are always plural (e.g., *many*, *several*), and some can be either, depending on context (e.g., *all*, *some*, *none*). It's crucial to consider the noun or idea it refers to to determine the correct verb agreement.
4. What are some common mistakes with indefinite pronouns?
A common mistake is using the wrong verb tense or number agreement. For example, 'Everyone *is* going,' (not 'Everyone *are* going'). Also, carefully consider the meaning of the pronoun in the sentence. Ensure the verb agrees in number with what the pronoun represents.
5. Can indefinite pronouns be used in both affirmative and negative sentences?
Yes! Indefinite pronouns appear in both affirmative and negative sentences. Pronouns like *someone*, *something*, *everyone*, etc., are typically found in affirmative sentences, while pronouns like *anyone*, *anything*, *nobody*, are frequently used to form negative sentences. The choice is determined by whether you wish to indicate existence (*someone came*) or non-existence (*no one came*).
6. How are indefinite pronouns used in a sentence?
Indefinite pronouns function as subjects or objects in sentences. They can replace nouns making sentences more concise. Examples:
• *Someone* ate my sandwich.
• I gave *everyone* a gift.
• *Nothing* is impossible.
• *Many* attended the meeting.
7. What is the difference between indefinite and definite pronouns?
Definite pronouns refer to specific people, places, or things already mentioned (e.g., *he*, *she*, *it*, *they*, *this*, *that*). Indefinite pronouns, however, refer to nonspecific individuals or amounts (e.g., *someone*, *everyone*, *several*, *many*).
8. Can indefinite pronouns ever be adjectives?
Yes! Certain indefinite pronouns can function as adjectives, modifying nouns. For instance: *Some* students are absent. *Many* birds flew south. In these cases, words like *some* and *many* describe the number of students and birds, respectively.
9. What are some tips for mastering indefinite pronouns?
• Memorize common examples.
• Practice identifying them in sentences.
• Pay close attention to the number agreement between the pronoun and its verb.
• Review the exceptions and nuanced uses.
• Work through plenty of exercises and quizzes.
10. Are there any exceptions to the rules of indefinite pronouns?
While most indefinite pronouns follow established rules, there are some exceptions depending on context and usage. The best way to navigate these situations is to closely examine the meaning of each sentence and consider the overall intention.
11. Give 20 example sentences using indefinite pronouns.
1. Someone left their backpack here. 2. Everyone enjoyed the party. 3. Anything is possible. 4. Nothing was found. 5. Anybody can participate. 6. Somebody needs help. 7. Everyone agrees. 8. Few succeeded. 9. Many protested. 10. Several are coming. 11. All were invited. 12. Some prefer tea, others coffee. 13. Each is important. 14. Neither wants to go. 15. Both are correct. 16. One should be careful. 17. None answered. 18. Much is unknown. 19. More is needed. 20. Most understand.
