40 Indefinite Pronouns: Something and Nothing

Advertising

Introduction

Pronouns are words used to avoid repetitions of a noun.

Indefinite pronouns do not refer to any specific person, thing or amount.

Something refers to objects with unspecified quantity while nothing refers to absent objects.

Form

Something can be used as the subject or object of a sentence or question. We use it in singular, positive sentences. The structures are:
Verb/auxiliary verb + something + …
Something + verb/auxiliary verb + …

Nothing can be used as the subject or object of a sentence or question. We cannot use it with negative sentences, because it already has a negative meaning. The structures are:
Verb/auxiliary verb + nothing + …
Nothing + verb + …

Example

  • Something
    • I need something to clean the microwave.
    • Something smells terrible in the gas oven.
  • Nothing
    • There is nothing in the dishwasher.
    • Right now, nothing is in good state.

Use

Indefinite pronouns do not refer to any specific person, thing or amount. Something is used to express an unspecified thing. Nothing refers to no single object.

Summary

Indefinite pronouns do not refer to any specific person, thing or amount.

Something is used to describe an indefinite quantity of things. The structures are:
Verb/auxiliary verb + something + …
Something + verb/auxiliary verb + …

Nothing is used to describe no single object. The structures are:
Verb/auxiliary verb + nothing + …
Nothing + verb + …

For example:
— “There is something in the fridge.” = Something is used to indicate the existence of an object or objects.
— “There is nothing in the fridge.” = Nothing is used to indicate the absence of any object.

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.

Exercises


The exercises are not created yet. If you would like to get involve with their creation, be a contributor.



Ambassadors

Open TextBooks are collaborative projects, with people from all over the world bringing their skills and interests to join in the compilation and dissemination of knowledge to everyone and everywhere.

Become an Ambassador and write your textbooks.

Online Teaching

Become a Books4Languages Online tutor & teacher.

More information here about how to be a tutor.

Translations


Contributors

The Books4Languages is a collaborative projects, with people from all over the world bringing their skills and interests to join in the compilation and dissemination of knowledge to everyone, everywhere.

License