Indefinite Pronouns: Everyone, Nobody, Something Explained

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why we say “Everyone is here” but not “Everyone are here”? Words like everyone, nobody, and something are everywhere in English, but their rules can be tricky. Mastering these small words is a big step towards speaking and writing more naturally and correctly.

What Is an Indefinite Pronoun?

An indefinite pronoun is a word that replaces a noun without specifying exactly which person or thing it refers to. It’s “indefinite” because it’s not definite or specific. Instead of naming particular people or objects, it refers to them in a general, non-specific way. Words like everyone (all people), nobody (no person), and something (an unspecified thing) are perfect examples.

Rules for Using Indefinite Pronouns

1. They are usually singular. Even pronouns like everyone and everybody that refer to groups are grammatically singular. This means they take singular verbs (is, has, goes) and singular pronouns (he, she, it, or the gender-neutral “they” in informal contexts).
2. They don’t need an antecedent. Unlike pronouns like “he” or “it,” which usually refer back to a specific noun mentioned earlier, indefinite pronouns can stand alone. You can start a sentence with “Something is wrong” without having mentioned a “thing” before.
3. They fit into categories. Indefinite pronouns often deal with quantity or existence. Common categories include: universal (everyone, everything), negative (nobody, nothing), and affirmative/assertive (somebody, something).
4. Mind the double negative. Because words like nobody and nothing are already negative, you should not use them with another negative word like “not” or “never.”

How to Use Indefinite Pronouns Correctly

Let’s break down the correct usage into simple steps, focusing on our three main examples: everyone/everybody, nobody/no one, and something/anything.

Step 1: Choose the right pronoun for the meaning. Do you mean all people? Use everyone. No people? Use nobody. An unknown thing? Use something (for affirmative sentences) or anything (for questions and negatives).

Step 2: Use a singular verb. Always match your verb to the singular nature of the pronoun. The verb ending -s for he/she/it in the present simple is your clue.

Step 3: Be careful with pronouns that follow. In formal writing, a singular indefinite pronoun is followed by a singular pronoun (his, her, his or her). In modern, everyday English, using the singular “they” (them, their) is widely accepted. For things, use “it.”

Step 4: Place them correctly. These pronouns typically come before the verb in a statement. In questions, they often follow the question word.

Examples in Sentences

• Everyone in the class has finished the test.
• I heard a noise, but I can’t see anybody outside.
• Nobody knows the answer to that difficult question.
• Would you like something to drink?
• She looked for her keys, but she couldn’t find anything in her bag.
• Everything in this store is on sale.
• I’m sure somebody left their umbrella here. (Singular “they” used)
• No one should have to work on their birthday.
• Is there anything I can do to help you?
• He said nothing about the meeting being cancelled.

Common Mistakes

Here are some frequent errors learners make with indefinite pronouns and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using plural verbs.
❌ Everyone are welcome to join.
✅ Everyone is welcome to join.

Mistake 2: Double negatives.
❌ I didn’t see nobody at the park.
✅ I didn’t see anybody at the park. OR I saw nobody at the park.

Mistake 3: Confusing ‘something’ and ‘anything’.
❌ I don’t know something about it. (In negative sentences, use ‘anything’)
✅ I don’t know anything about it.

Mistake 4: Incorrect pronoun reference in formal contexts.
❌ Everyone brought their own lunch. (Informal is fine, but formal writing may prefer a different structure)
✅ Everyone brought his or her own lunch. OR All the students brought their own lunches.

Quick Summary

• Indefinite pronouns like everyone, nobody, something refer to non-specific people or things.
• They are almost always grammatically SINGULAR, so use singular verbs (is, has, does).
• Avoid double negatives. Use anybody/anything with “not,” or use nobody/nothing alone.
• Use something in affirmative statements and anything in questions and negative sentences.
• The singular “they” (their, them) is commonly used to refer back to singular indefinite pronouns like everyone.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with the correct indefinite pronoun: everyone, nobody, somebody, anything, something, nothing.

1. __________ was very kind to me when I first moved here.
2. I’m hungry. Is there __________ to eat in the fridge?
3. __________ is perfect; we all make mistakes.
4. It’s so quiet in the house. __________ is home.
5. She searched online but found __________ useful for her project.

Answers:
1. Everyone/Everybody
2. anything
3. Nobody/No one
4. Nobody/No one
5. nothing

Conclusion

Getting a handle on indefinite pronouns will make your English sound much more accurate and natural. Remember the core rules: treat them as singular, avoid double negatives, and choose the right word for the situation. With a little practice, using everyone, nobody, and something will become second nature.

FAQ

Is “everyone” singular or plural?
Grammatically, “everyone” is always singular. It refers to a group but takes a singular verb (e.g., Everyone is here). However, we often use the plural pronoun “they/them” to refer back to it in informal and increasingly formal English (e.g., Everyone should bring their book).

What is the difference between “no one” and “anyone”?
“No one” means not a single person and is used in affirmative sentences to state an absence. “Anyone” is used in questions and negative sentences. Compare: “No one called.” vs. “Did anyone call?” or “I didn’t see anyone.”

Can I use “they” with “everyone”?
Yes, using the singular “they” (e.g., Everyone has their own opinion) is perfectly acceptable in modern English. It is inclusive and avoids the awkward “he or she.” It is now recognized by major style guides and is common in both speech and writing.

When do I use “something” vs. “anything”?
Use “something” in affirmative statements (I want something to eat). Use “anything” in negative statements (I don’t want anything to eat) and in most questions (Do you want anything to eat?). However, use “something” in questions when you expect or are offering a “yes” answer (Would you like something to drink?).