Indefinite Pronouns Types, Rules, and Examples in English • Englishilm

In this blog post, you will learn about indefinite pronouns—words that refer to people, things, or places in a general way. They do not name anyone or anything specific but help us talk about unknown or unclear subjects. Understanding indefinite pronouns can make your English clearer and more natural in both writing and speaking.

To improve your grammar skills, explore our grammar category for more helpful lessons.

Table of Contents

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns are used when we don’t know the exact name or number of the noun.

➡️ They are unclear or not exact.
➡️ They can be singular, plural, or both.

Common Indefinite Pronouns List

Singular	Plural	Both
Someone	Both	All
Anyone	Many	Some
No one	Few	Any
Everybody	Several	None
Each	—	Most
Something	—	—

Types of Indefinite Pronouns

Type	Used For	Examples
Singular	One person or thing	someone, everyone, nobody
Plural	Many people/things	few, many, others
Both	Singular or plural	all, any, some, none, most

Usage of Indefinite Pronouns

Used when the noun is not specific.
Can be the subject or object of a sentence.
Some pronouns need singular verbs, others need plural verbs.

Rules of Indefinite Pronouns

Rule 1: Use Singular Verb with Singular Indefinite Pronouns

Everyone is happy.
Somebody was knocking.

Rule 2: Use Plural Verb with Plural Indefinite Pronouns

Many are invited.
Few have arrived.

Rule 3: Some Indefinite Pronouns Can Be Singular or Plural

All is well. (when “all” means everything – singular)
All are ready. (when “all” means people – plural)

Formation of Indefinite Pronouns

Many indefinite pronouns are formed by joining two words:

Person + body / one / thing / where

Type	Examples
People	someone, anyone, no one
Things	something, anything
Places	somewhere, anywhere

Example Sentences Using Indefinite Pronouns

Someone is at the door.
Everyone was excited.
Nobody knows the truth.
Anything is possible.
All are welcome here.
Somebody took my pen.
Many have tried this before.
Each of them is ready.
Few were interested in the topic.
Nothing can stop you.
Everything looks fine.
No one called me today.
Several have passed the test.
All is calm now.
Something is wrong.
Anybody can do this.
Both were selected.
Some are still waiting.
Most know the answer.
Is there anyone who can help?

Indefinite vs. Relative Pronouns

Feature	Indefinite Pronouns	Relative Pronouns
Definition	Refer to non-specific people or things	Introduce a clause that gives more info
Examples	someone, anyone, everything	who, whom, whose, which, that
Used for	General reference	Connecting two parts of a sentence
Specific or General	General (not clear who/what)	Specific (talks about a known noun)
Example Sentence	Something is missing.	The man who* called you is my uncle.*

Indefinite pronouns are useful when you don’t know exactly who, what, or where. They can be singular, plural, or both. They are different from relative pronouns, which give more info about a noun.

Indefinite Pronouns Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct indefinite pronoun:

_______ left the gate open….. (Someone)
Do you know _______ who can paint?….. (anyone)
_______ was found in the box….. (Nothing)
_______ of the students passed the test…… (Most)
_______ wants to come with me? (Who) ….. (Relative Pronoun)

Quick Practice Sentences

Complete the sentence using an indefinite pronoun:

_______ is knocking on the door…… (Someone)
_______ was missing from class…… (No one)
Do you have _______ to say?….. (anything)
_______ are going to the picnic….. (Many)
_______ has taken my pen….. (Somebody)

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