2.5 Pronouns
Indefinite Pronouns and Agreement
Indefinite pronouns are usually singular and do not refer to a specific person or thing. Note that a pronoun that refers to an indefinite singular pronoun should also be singular. The following are some common indefinite pronouns.
| Common Indefinite Pronouns | ||||
| all | each one | few | nothing | several |
| any | each other | many | one | some |
| anybody | either | neither | one another | somebody |
| anything | everybody | nobody | oneself | someone |
| both | everyone | none | other | something |
| each | everything | no one | others | anyone |
Correct: Everyone should do what they can to help. (in modern times, a singular THEY can be used if gender is undefined)
Correct but old fashioned: Everyone should do what he or she can to help.
Correct: Someone left their backpack in the library. (in modern times, a singular THEIR can be used if gender is undefined)
Correct but old fashioned: Someone left his or her backpack in the library.
