Indefinite pronouns: something, anybody, nowhere…

Rules

• Rule 1: some- → positive sentences, offers and requests

  We use some- in positive sentences. some- is also common in offers (Would you like…?) and requests (Can you…?).

  Pattern: I have something … · Would you like something …?

  Example: I have something for you.

  Example: Would you like something to eat?

• Rule 2: any- → questions and negatives

  We use any- in questions and in negative sentences with not / n't.

  Pattern: Is there anything …? · I don't … anything.

  Example: Is anybody there?

  Example: I don't know anything about it.

• Rule 3: no- → the verb stays positive

  nothing, nobody, nowhere are negative by themselves, so the verb stays positive.

  Pattern: There is nothing … = There isn't anything …

  Example: There is nothing in the box.

  Example: Nobody was at home.

• Rule 4: every- → singular verb

  everybody, everything mean many people or things, but grammatically they are singular. The same goes for somebody, nobody.

  Pattern: Everybody is · Everything looks · Nobody knows

  Example: Everybody is ready.

  Example: Everything looks great!

Common mistakes

• I don't have nothing. → I don't have anything. / I have nothing.

  No double negatives: with not use any-.

• Everybody are here. → Everybody is here.

  everybody is singular.

• I want sweet something. → I want something sweet.

  The adjective comes after these pronouns.