Definite and Indefinite Pronouns
- Definite Pronouns
Definition of Definite Pronouns
Definite pronouns are
replaces a noun that’s identity has been clearly given.
Function of Definite Pronouns
Eliminates repetition or
unnecessary naming of a known or identified noun (s).
There are two types of Definite pronouns:
1. Personal: I, you, she, he, it, we, they, you, me, her, him, us, them.
Example: Would you like to study together after class?
2. Demonstrative: This, that, these, those.
Example: These are 10 cherry trees outside the school
gate. Those are my favorite tree at our school.
- Indefinite Pronouns
Definition of Indefinite Pronouns
As the name suggests
indefinite pronouns are pronouns that are not definite in meaning. In other
words they are not specific in which noun they replace. They may be singular or
plural, and must match the verb in number.
Pronouns that refer to a nonspecific noun
Nobody
|
Anybody
|
None
|
Anyone
|
Nothing
|
Anything
|
Somebody
|
Everybody
|
Someone
|
Everyone
|
Something
|
Everything
|
Pronouns that refer to a specific noun
All
|
Another
|
Any
|
Both
|
Each
|
Either
|
Few
|
Many
|
Neither
|
Ones
|
Some
|
Several
|
Examples:
Many are planning to attend the party.
(In this case the identity of the group that is going to the party would have
already been mentioned).
Would
you like to try some of these cookies? (The word cookies
make it clear what some is referring to).
Not
to confuse you but keep in mind pronouns in this group can function as
adjectives if nouns directly follow them.
More Examples:
Many classmates are planning to attend
the party.
I
checked out some books from the
library.
Singular and Plural Indefinite Pronouns
As
mentioned previously indefinite pronouns may be singular or plural and the verb
has to much in number. Below is the list of singular indefinite pronouns.
Another
|
Anybody
|
Anyone
|
Anything
|
Each
|
Either
|
Everybody
|
Everyone
|
Everything
|
Neither
|
Nobody
|
No one
|
Nothing
|
One
|
Somebody
|
Something
|
Someone
|
Example:
There
are three groups of participants, and each
has its own requirements.
Someone special is about to
arrive.
The
following are plural indefinite pronouns:
-
Both
-
Few
-
Many
-
Several
Examples:
Few of the projects were god enough to go to the
science fair.
