Demonstrative & Indefinite Pronouns

Intermediate · Pronouns

Demonstratives (this, that, these, those) are "pointing" words — they show whether something is near or far. Indefinite pronouns (someone, anything, everybody, nothing) refer to people or things without saying exactly who or what.

The main choice to learn is when to use "some-" words versus "any-" words.

How to build it

this/these = near · that/those = far · some- (positive) · any- (questions & negatives)

Rules & examples

1. this/these for things near you; that/those for things farther away.

   Singular: this/that. Plural: these/those.

   • This is my seat. (here)
   • Those are beautiful. (over there)
2. Use "some-" words in positive statements.

   someone, something, somewhere, somebody.

   • Someone is at the door.
   • I need something to eat.
3. Use "any-" words in questions and negatives.

   anyone, anything, anywhere, anybody.

   • Is anybody home?
   • I don't have anything.
4. "every-" means all; "no-" means none (with a positive verb).

   Note: "no-" already makes the sentence negative, so keep the verb positive.

   • Everyone is welcome.
   • Nobody came.
5. All these pronouns take a singular verb.

   Even though they can refer to many people.

   • Everything is ready.
   • Nothing works.

Tips to remember

• Use "some-" in offers and requests even though they are questions: "Would you like something to drink?"
• Avoid double negatives: after a negative verb, switch to "any-": "I didn't see anybody."

Common mistakes

• ✗ I didn't see nobody. → ✓ I didn't see anybody. — Two negatives ("didn't" + "nobody") cancel out. Use "anybody" after a negative verb.