Selasa, 20 November 2012

INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

As the name suggests indefinite pronouns are pronouns that are not definite in meaning. In other words they are not specific in which noun they replace. They may be singular or plural, and must match the verb in number.

There are two categories of indefinite pronouns. The first category includes pronouns that refer to a nonspecific noun. These pronouns are :

anybody   anyone
anything   everybody
everyone   everything
nobody    none
no one    nothing
somebody    someone
something

Example: 
  • Anything is possible if you believe.
The second category of indefinite pronouns are those that point to a specific noun whose meaning is easily understood only because it was previously mentioned or because the words that follow the indefinite pronoun make it clear. These pronouns are :

all another
any both
each either
few many
neither one
some several

Examples: 
  • Many are planning to attend the party. (In this case the identity of the group that is going to the party would have already been mentioned.) 
  • Would you like to try some of these cookies? (The word cookies makes it clear what some is referring to.)
Not to confuse you but keep in mind the pronouns in this group can function as adjectives if nouns directly follow them.

More Examples : 

  • Many classmates are planning to attend the party. 
  • I checked out some books from the library.
Singular and Plural Indefinite Pronouns

As mentioned previously indefinite pronouns may be singular or plural and the verb has to match in number. Below is the list of singular indefinite pronouns.

Another   Anybody
Anyone   Anything
Each   Either
Everybody   Everyone
Everything   Neither
Nobody   No one
Nothing   One
Somebody   Something
Someone

Examples :
  • There are three groups of participants, and each has its own requirements.
  • Someone special is about to arrive.

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