Something, anything, nothing, etc.

Grammar / A2 Grammar lessons and exercises\ Something, anything, nothing, etc.

✏️ Exercises

Using something, anything, nothing, etc. in English

📝 Form and Use

Grammar chart explaining the use of indefinite pronouns like something, anything, nobody, everyone, somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, etc., in various sentence structures for A2 pre-intermediate English learners.

We use indefinite pronouns like something, anything, nothing, everything, somebody/someone, anybody/anyone, nobody/no one, everyone, somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, everywhere to talk about people, things, or places without being specific.

✅ Some- in Affirmative Sentences

We usually use something, somebody/someone, or somewhere in affirmative sentences.

  • Look! There’s something under that chair.
  • Somebody called you yesterday.
  • Let’s go somewhere nice for lunch.

❓ Any- in Negative and Interrogative Sentences

We use anything, anybody/anyone, or anywhere in negative sentences and questions.

  • There isn’t anything in the fridge.
  • Is there anybody at home?
  • I didn’t go anywhere last weekend.

💡 But note: Use “some-” in offers and requests!

  • Can I get you something to drink?
  • Would you like something to eat?
  • Can somebody help me, please?

🚫 No- with Affirmative Verbs

We use nobody/no one, nothing, or nowhere in sentences with an affirmative verb — they carry a negative meaning.

  • The sun was in my eyes, and I could see no one.
    (= I couldn’t see anyone.)
  • I found nothing in my bag.
    (= I didn’t find anything.)
  • ‘Where were you?’ – ‘Nowhere.’

🌍 Every- means ‘all’

We use everybody/everyone, everything, or everywhere when we mean “all the people”, “all the things”, or “in all places”.

  • Everybody in my class passed the exam.
  • From the top of the mountain, we could see everything.
  • There were insects everywhere.

🔢 Singular Verbs

All these words take singular verbs, even though they refer to more than one person or thing.

  • Everything is expensive nowadays.
  • Everyone was tired after the trip.
  • Has anyone seen my glasses?

🎨 Adjectives After Indefinite Pronouns

You can put an adjective after something, anything, nothing, etc.

  • Can’t we go somewhere quiet?
  • I didn’t do anything wrong.
  • There’s nothing special on TV tonight.

➡️ To-Infinitive After Pronouns

We often follow these pronouns with to + infinitive to explain purpose.

  • We didn’t have anywhere to go.
  • I need something to do. I’m bored.
  • Is there anyone to help us?