Something, anything, nothing: Indefinite Pronouns
Learn how to talk about people, places, and things when you don't know exactly who, where, or what they are.
- check_circleI can use 'something', 'anything', and 'nothing' correctly in sentences.
- check_circleI can talk about people with 'someone', 'anyone', 'no one', and 'everyone'.
- check_circleI can talk about places with 'somewhere', 'anywhere', 'nowhere', and 'everywhere'.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Lily: Hi, Ben! Are you looking for something? You look stressed.
Ben: Yes, I can’t find my passport anywhere. I’ve looked everywhere in the house, but I see nothing.
Lily: Oh no! Did you ask anyone in your family if they saw it?
Ben: Yes, I asked everyone. Nobody knows where it is.
Lily: Wait, did you leave it in your backpack after your last trip?
Ben: Let me check… Wow, yes! Here it is. Thank you! I thought I would have to go somewhere to get a new one.
Lily: I’m glad you found it. You should buy a special folder so you don’t lose it again.
Ben: That’s a good idea. I’ll buy one tomorrow.
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
When we want to talk about people, things, or places but we don’t know exactly who, what, or where they are, we use indefinite pronouns. They are formed by combining some, any, no, or every with thing, one/body, or where.
1. Things (-thing)
We use something, anything, nothing, and everything to talk about objects or ideas.
- I have something for you in my bag. (Affirmative)
- Do you have anything to drink? (Question)
- I don’t have anything in my pocket. (Negative)
- There is nothing in the fridge. (Negative meaning)
- Everything is ready for the party. (All things)
The rules for indefinite pronouns are the same as the rules for some and any. Use some- words in affirmative sentences and offers/requests. Use any- words in questions and negative sentences.
2. People (-one / -body)
We use someone/somebody, anyone/anybody, no one/nobody, and everyone/everybody to talk about people. Words ending in -one and -body mean exactly the same thing.
- Someone called you earlier, but they didn’t leave a message.
- Is anybody home?
- Nobody wants to work on the weekend.
- Everyone loves pizza.
3. Places (-where)
We use somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, and everywhere to talk about locations.
- I want to go somewhere warm for my vacation.
- I can’t find my keys anywhere.
- We have nowhere to stay tonight.
- I looked everywhere for my glasses!
Singular Verbs
Common Mistake: Using plural verbs with indefinite pronouns.
Even if an indefinite pronoun refers to multiple people or things (like everyone or everything), it always takes a singular verb.
Everyone are happy.- Everyone is happy.
Everything were perfect.- Everything was perfect.
- some- (something, someone, somewhere): Affirmative sentences, requests, offers.
- any- (anything, anyone, anywhere): Negative sentences, questions.
- no- (nothing, no one, nowhere): Affirmative sentences with a negative meaning.
- every- (everything, everyone, everywhere): All things, people, or places.
- Rule: Always use singular verbs (is, was, has, likes).
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?