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Using Indefinite Pronouns
An indefinite pronoun is a word that replaces a noun for an unknown or unnamed person, thing, or amount.
- Singular: another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, little, much, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, other, somebody, someone, something.
- Plural: both, few, many, others, several.
- Singular or Plural: all, any, more most, none, some.
Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs or singular personal pronouns. Examples:
- Each of the members has one vote. (Each is singular taking a singular verb.)
- One of the girls gave up her seat. (One is singular, taking the singular possessive her.)
Plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs or plural personal pronouns.
- A few of the justices were voicing their opposition. (Few is plural taking the plural verb and the plural possessive their.)
For indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural, it depends on what the indefinite pronoun refers to.
- All of the people clapped their hands. (All refers to people, a plural noun, taking the plural possessive their.)
- All of the newspaper was soaked. (All refers to one newspaper taking the singular verb.)
A Gender-Sensitive Case
The pronouns ending with -body or -one such as anybody, somebody, no one, or anyone are singular. So are pronouns like each and every. Words like all or some may be singular. That means that a possessive pronoun referring to these singular words must also be singular. In standard written English the possessive pronoun his is used to refer to a singular indefinite pronoun unless the group referred to is known to be all female.
- Is everyone happy with his gift? (Everyone is singular, taking the singular default possessive his, even when the group is a mixed gender.)
Most languages, including English, observe the standard of using the masculine pronoun in situations like this. However, in some circles today the idea of choosing the masculine pronoun sounds discriminatory against women. If this usage bothers you, or if you think it may bother your audience, there are two possible ways to work around this and still use standard English.
- Is everyone happy with his or her gift? (Use the phrase his or her. It is a little awkward, but OK.)
Or, rewrite the sentence using a plural indefinite pronoun and possessive adjective. Plural personal pronouns in English don't distinguish between male and female.
- Are all of the people happy with theirgifts?
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Why do indefinite cause problems for students?
Indefinite articles (a, an) can be tricky for students because they require an understanding of noun countability and context. Students need to learn when to use "a" or "an" based on the sound that follows, as well as when to omit articles altogether. With practice and exposure to various contexts, students can improve their usage of indefinite articles.
What is used with the letter s to form the possessive case of indefinite pronouns?
You would use an apostrophe before "s" to form the possessive case of an indefinite pronoun, just like any other possessive.Examples: Whether you'd actually enjoy doing it is anybody's guess.The accident was nobody's fault.
Are pronouns simple and use easy to follow rules?
Yes, pronouns are generally simple and follow straightforward rules. They are used to replace nouns and refer to someone or something previously mentioned. The choice of pronoun depends on the gender, number, and person of the noun it replaces, but once the rules are understood, using pronouns becomes second nature in everyday communication.
How can you tell if an indefinite pronoun is singular?
An indefinite pronoun is singular if it refers to one person or thing. Examples of singular indefinite pronouns include "someone," "anybody," and "nothing." These pronouns use singular verbs and pronouns when replacing the noun in a sentence.
Spanish grammar rules?
Some key Spanish grammar rules include verb conjugation based on subject pronouns, gender agreement between nouns and adjectives, and the use of definite and indefinite articles. The placement of adjectives after nouns and the use of accent marks on certain words are also important rules to remember. Additionally, understanding the differences between ser and estar for "to be" and the use of prepositions can help ensure proper grammar in Spanish.
Are all indefinate pronouns singular?
No, there is a group of plural use indefinite pronouns such as:bothfewfewermanyothersseveralthey (used for people in general, 'They say...')See the link below for a helpful chart of singular, plural, and dual use indefinite pronouns.
What is a pronoun with no specific antecedent?
Most indefinite pronouns don't use an antecedent. The first person pronouns I, me, you, we, us, rarely use an antecedent; the speaker and listener know who they are. An antecedent is not used when the noun represented by the pronoun is known to the speaker and the listener.
What is the rule when using indefinite pronouns such as all any none and some?
it depends on how it is use
Why do indefinite cause problems for students?
Indefinite articles (a, an) can be tricky for students because they require an understanding of noun countability and context. Students need to learn when to use "a" or "an" based on the sound that follows, as well as when to omit articles altogether. With practice and exposure to various contexts, students can improve their usage of indefinite articles.
What is used with the letter s to form the possessive case of indefinite pronouns?
You would use an apostrophe before "s" to form the possessive case of an indefinite pronoun, just like any other possessive.Examples: Whether you'd actually enjoy doing it is anybody's guess.The accident was nobody's fault.
Are pronouns simple and use easy to follow rules?
Yes, pronouns are generally simple and follow straightforward rules. They are used to replace nouns and refer to someone or something previously mentioned. The choice of pronoun depends on the gender, number, and person of the noun it replaces, but once the rules are understood, using pronouns becomes second nature in everyday communication.
Write a funny poem using pronouns.Try to use most of the pronouns in the pronoun chart.To begin with - think of a situation or story?
the 4 pronouns are: 1.object pronoun2.possesive pronoun 3.subject pronoun 4.indefinite pronoun
Use the rules of significant figures to answer the following question 22.674 15.05?
Use the rules of significant figures to answer the following : 22.674 * 15.05. Answer: 341.2
How can you tell if an indefinite pronoun is singular?
An indefinite pronoun is singular if it refers to one person or thing. Examples of singular indefinite pronouns include "someone," "anybody," and "nothing." These pronouns use singular verbs and pronouns when replacing the noun in a sentence.
If you want to make your writing personal and direct for your audience which one of the following pronouns should you use?
The most personal type of writing uses the pronoun I.
What person first second or third are indefinite pronouns?
By definition, indefinite pronouns must be second and third person. The first person is the speaker, who is known to the speaker. The only indefinite pronoun in the second person is you, used as a general term. Third person indefinite pronouns are: Singular: another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, everybody, everyone, everything, enough, less, little, much, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, other, somebody, someone, something. Plural: both, few, fewer, many, others, several, they (used as a general term). Singular or plural: all, any, more, most, none, some.
What type of prounoun uses an apostrophe to form the possessive?
The possessive pronouns and the possessive adjectives do not use an apostrophe:possessive pronouns: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs.possessive adjectives: my, your, his, her, their, its.Some of the indefinite pronouns use an apostrophe s ('s) to show possession:Your chances are as good as anybody's.I'm paying for everyone's lunch.One should mind one's own business.The reciprocal pronouns also use an apostrophe s ('s) to show possession: We always celebrate each other'sbirthday.We often finish one another's sentences.
