What are the rules for using indefinite pronouns?

Grammar Rules Questions Medium



80 Short 80 Medium 48 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What are the rules for using indefinite pronouns?

The rules for using indefinite pronouns are as follows:

1. Agreement: Indefinite pronouns should agree in number with the noun they refer to. For example, if the noun is singular, the indefinite pronoun should also be singular, and if the noun is plural, the indefinite pronoun should be plural as well. For instance, "everyone" is singular, so we say "Everyone has his or her own opinion."

2. Gender neutrality: When using indefinite pronouns, it is important to be gender-neutral. Instead of using gender-specific pronouns like "he" or "she," it is recommended to use gender-neutral pronouns like "they" or "their." For example, instead of saying "Each student should bring his textbook," we can say "Each student should bring their textbook."

3. Specificity: Indefinite pronouns can be either specific or non-specific. Specific indefinite pronouns refer to a particular person or thing, while non-specific indefinite pronouns refer to a general or unidentified person or thing. Examples of specific indefinite pronouns include "this," "that," "these," and "those," while non-specific indefinite pronouns include "someone," "anyone," "everyone," "something," and "anything."

4. Verb agreement: When an indefinite pronoun is the subject of a sentence, the verb that follows should agree with the pronoun in number. For instance, if the indefinite pronoun is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the indefinite pronoun is plural, the verb should be plural. For example, "Somebody is waiting for you" (singular) and "Many are waiting for you" (plural).

5. Double negatives: It is important to avoid using double negatives with indefinite pronouns. Double negatives create confusion and can change the intended meaning of a sentence. For example, instead of saying "I don't know nothing," it is correct to say "I don't know anything."

By following these rules, one can effectively use indefinite pronouns in their writing or speech, ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness.