B1 English Grammar - Indefinite Pronouns Lesson and Quiz - Ex 1017
Learn how to use indefinite pronouns like somebody, something, anywhere, etc., in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences. Then test your knowledge with 20 questions from a pool of 50.
Indefinite pronouns refer to people, things, or places without specifying exactly who or what they are. They are used when we don't need to be precise or when the identity is unknown or unimportant. These pronouns can be categorized based on whether they refer to people, objects/things/concepts, or places.
Los pronombres indefinidos se refieren a personas, cosas o lugares sin especificar exactamente quién o qué son. Se usan cuando no necesitamos ser precisos o cuando la identidad es desconocida o no importante.
Key groups:
- Some-: Used in affirmative sentences or offers/questions expecting a positive answer.
- Any-: Used in questions, negatives, or conditionals.
- Every-: Refers to all in a group.
- No-: Used in negatives to mean zero or none.
| Category | People | Things/Objects/Concepts | Places |
|---|---|---|---|
| Some- (Affirmative/Offers) | Somebody / Someone | Something | Somewhere |
| Any- (Questions/Negatives) | Anybody / Anyone | Anything | Anywhere |
| Every- (All) | Everybody / Everyone | Everything | Everywhere |
| No- (None) | Nobody / No one | Nothing | Nowhere |
Note: "Someone" and "anyone" are often interchangeable with "somebody" and "anybody," but "someone" can sound slightly more formal.
Expanded Tip: In offers like "Would you like something to drink?" we use "some-" because we expect a positive response.
Expanded Tip: Avoid double negatives, e.g., don't say "I don't know nothing" – say "I don't know anything" or "I know nothing." Common mistake for Spanish speakers.