Basic Indefinite Pronoun List


Singular Pronouns
These pronouns are generally followed by singular verbs (is, was, does, has, or a verb + "s").

anybody/anyone

anything

each/every

either 1

everybody/everyone

everything

neither 1

nobody/no one

none 2

nothing

one

somebody/someone


Notes

1. A plural verb is often used with these pronouns when they are followed by "of" + a plural noun. Note that this is more common in spoken English than in written English and that it is considered wrong by some grammarians.

Example: Neither of the cars have been washed.

2. The use of a plural verb following "none of the (plural noun)" is still slightly controversial, so it's probably best avoided in writing if you have any doubts about whether it will be accepted by the reader(s) of your work.


Plural Pronouns
These pronouns are generally followed by plural verbs (are, were, do, have, or a verb with no "s").
both few
many several



Usage with Countable & Uncountable Nouns
These pronouns can be followed by a singular or a plural verb. Which verb form is used generally depends on whether the noun following the pronoun is countable or uncountable.
all any
most none *
some ...


Examples

All of the paper is old. ("Paper" is an uncountable noun.)

All of the dogs are happy. ("Dogs" is a countable noun.)


* See the note about "none" above.



Final Note: This is not a complete list of indefinite pronouns. There are many other words (including words such as "enough" and "more") that can act as indefinite pronouns.

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