What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to talk about unspecified people, things, and places using pronouns like someone, anything, and nobody.
When do I use it?
Indefinite pronouns point to a person, thing, or place without saying exactly which. The some- forms appear in positive sentences; the any- forms in negatives and questions; no- forms have a negative meaning on their own.
- Somebody called for you.
- Is there anything in the fridge?
- I have nothing to wear.
- She went nowhere yesterday.
- Everyone enjoyed the party.
The list: someone/anyone/no one/everyone, something/anything/nothing/everything, somewhere/anywhere/nowhere/everywhere. These pronouns always take a singular verb: Everybody is here.
How do I form it?
some/any/no/every + one/thing/where
- some-: positive. I need something to drink.
- any-: negatives and questions. I don't know anyone here. Have you seen my keys anywhere?
- no-: alone, with a positive verb. Nobody lives on that street.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
A Spanish double negative "no tengo nada" leads to "I don't have nothing" — but English uses only one negative: "I don't have anything" or "I have nothing". Dividing the two: use any- after "not" or in questions, and no- when the verb is already positive. Also learners forget the singular verb: "Everything are ready" should be "Everything is ready". Finally, do not write "no one" as "noone" or use "someone" in a question such as "Do you know someone?" when "anyone" is expected.
"Don't + anything" and "nothing" without "don't" mean the same thing — but never mix them. Pick one negative per sentence.
Practice
Multiple Choice
A2Which sentence is correct in English?
Fill in the Blank
A2Is there in the fridge to eat?
Hint: Questions use the 'any-' form.
Find the Error
A2Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A2