Indefinite pronouns refer to people, things or amounts without identifying them precisely. **Someone**, **anything**, **everybody**, **none** and **several** are familiar examples. They make everyday English easier, especially when the exact identity or number is unknown.
Common indefinite pronouns
People: someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, no one, nobody. Things: something, anything, everything, nothing. Quantity: all, some, any, none, many, few, several, both, each, either, neither, one, much, little.
Singular and plural agreement
Everyone **is** welcome. Somebody **has** called. Each of the answers **is** useful. Many **are** ready. Several **have** arrived. Both **are** correct. Some and all can be singular or plural depending on the noun: Some of the water **is** cold; some of the students **are** absent.
Pronouns in everyday sentences
Someone left a notebook. Nobody knows the password. Everything looks tidy. Few understood the instruction. Neither of the two routes is short. Some of the rice is left. Most of the books are new.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Everybody have a ticket. Correct: Everybody has a ticket. Incorrect: Neither are available. In formal usage, prefer: Neither is available. Do not confuse *its* with *it’s* or *someone* with the possessive *someone’s*.
Indefinite Pronouns List: Practice: choose the correct pronoun
1. ___ is knocking at the door. (Someone / Several)
2. ___ of the two candidates is available. (Neither / Many)
3. ___ are waiting outside. (Several / Much)
4. There is ___ in the box. (something / many)
5. ___ of the milk has spilled. (Some / Few)
6. ___ knows the answer. (Everyone / Many)
7. ___ of these two books will work. (Either / Several)
8. ___ were invited. (Both / Much)
9. There is ___ to worry about. (nothing / many)
10. ___ of the participants have arrived. (Many / Each)
Answer key
1 Someone; 2 Neither; 3 Several; 4 something; 5 Some; 6 Everyone; 7 Either; 8 Both; 9 nothing; 10 Many.
Frequently asked questions
**Is everyone singular?** Yes, it normally takes a singular verb. **Can some be plural?** Yes, depending on what it refers to. **Is nobody negative?** Yes. **Is each singular?** Usually yes. **Can they refer to a person whose gender is unknown?** Yes, singular *they* is widely used.
Conclusion
An indefinite pronouns list is most useful when you also learn how each word agrees with its verb. Practice with real sentences, not just memorized lists. Save this guide and try the quiz.
Also Read: Modal Verbs List and Usage: Meaning and Examples
Descriptive Adjectives Examples: Types and Practice
