Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that does not refer to a particular person, place, or thing. Does anyone know the story of Midas? Most indefinite pronouns are either singular or plural.

Indefinite Pronouns Singular Plural another everybody no one anybody everyone nothing anyone everything one anything much somebody each neither someone either nobody something both few many others several All, any, most, none and some can be singular or plural, depending on the phrase that follows them.

Singular Indefinite Pronouns S A N E O N O V M Y E E R Y BODY ONE THING Somebody Anybody Nobody everybody Someone Anyone No one everyone Something Anything Nothing Everything One Neither Each Another Much Either

Indefinite Pronouns When an indefinite pronoun is used as the subject, the verb must agree with it in number. Everyone discusses the plot. (singular) Both talk about King Minos. (plural) All of mythology is about beliefs and ideals. (singular) All of the myths are about beliefs and ideals. (plural)

Indefinite Pronouns Each of the characters has his or her chapter. Possessive pronouns often have indefinite pronouns as their antecedents. In such cases, the pronouns must agree in number. Note that in the first example the intervening prepositional phrase does not affect the agreement. Each of the characters has his or her chapter. Several have conflict with their siblings.

Guided Practice Select the pronoun.

Each knows about the plot. a. Each b. about c. the d. plot

2. Many of the students do their homework. a. Many b. or c. do d. their

a. Another b. Each c. All d. One 3. __________ of the boys offered their help to the little old lady who was crossing the street. a. Another b. Each c. All d. One

4. My sister is the _______ wearing the red shirt. a. one b. few c. most d. several

a. few b. none c. nothing d. many 5. Which of the following indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural? a. few b. none c. nothing d. many

Each of the students has his or her ideas about homework. Pronoun Agreement Each of the students has his or her ideas about homework. Singular indefinite pronoun Singular possessive pronouns

a. walks b. are c. is d. dances 6. Which verb agrees with the indefinite pronoun “many?” a. walks b. are c. is d. dances

Select the appropriate pronoun. Guided Practice Select the appropriate pronoun.

7. No one brought ______ book. a. his or her b. their

8. Each has __ point of view. a. his or her b. their

9. All of the students give _______ opinions, too. a. his or her b. their

10. Why are indefinite pronouns called “indefinite?” a. They do not have one definition. b. They refer to nouns are not defined – not specific. c. They are impossible to see because they are invisible.