Learning The Nine Types of Pronouns Part
II
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As defined in
Part One of Learning The Nine Types of Pronouns,
A pronoun is a word such as we, them, or anyone that
replaces a noun or another pronoun. Pronouns
must match the number and gender of the noun they stand for
and be in a case (form) that matches its function. Pronouns have the same functions as nouns: They may act as subjects and subject complements, direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. |
Here is the Part Two explanation of
the nine types of pronouns:
C. INDEFINITE PRONOUNS: Indefinite pronouns are noun substitutes that are not specific (definite) in meaning.
1. Indefinite pronouns fall into two categories:
List 1. Pronouns that refer to a non-specific noun:
anybody, anyone, anything, everybody, everyone, everything, nobody, none, no one, nothing, somebody, someone, something
Example:
Nothing gets accomplished without some
effort.
List 2. Pronouns that refer to a specific noun whose meaning is clear only because of a previous mention or because of words that follow the indefinite pronoun:
all, another, any, both, each, either, few, many, neither, one, some, several
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Examples: Several are planning to fly to New York. (The identity of the group that is flying to New York would have already been mentioned.) Do you want some of these books? (Books makes clear the meaning of some.) Note: The indefinite pronouns in List 2 function simply as adjectives when they are directly followed by nouns. Examples: Several students received awards. My mother baked some pies for the picnic. |
2. Indefinite pronouns may be singular or plural. The verbs (underlined) must match in number.
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Pronoun | Examples |
| Singular | another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, something, someone |
There are four groups of students, and
each has its own
assignment. Something unexpected is happening. |
| Plural | both, few, many, several |
Both of the documents were signed. Many in the audience agree with the speaker. |
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Singular or Plural (Depending on the noun it stands for) |
all, any, either, none, some, more, most |
Some of the
planning is
finished. Some of the apples are ripe. |
Note: When these
indefinite pronouns are followed by a prepositional phrase, the
pronoun should agree in number with the noun that is the object
of the preposition.
Remember that the verb must agree in
number with the bolded antecedent. "Planning"
takes a singular verb and "apples" takes a plural verb.
To Part III
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