Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns: some, any, no (something, somebody, someone; anything, anybody, anyone; nothing, nobody, no one) none, much, many, little, few, a little, a few, all, both, either, neither, each, every (everything, everybody, everyone), other, another, (the) other, one, several,

Usage: 

Some and any:

Some is used in positive sentences to indicate a quantity that is not specific but exists.

For example, I need some help with my project.

She asked me some questions.

Can also be used in offers, suggestions, and requests.

For example, would you like some water?

Can I give you some advice?

Could you lend me some money?

 

Any is used in negative sentences to indicate the absence of something.

For example, I don’t have any siblings.

I didn’t see any birds in the park.

 

Any is also used in questions and offers when we want to give someone a choice.

For example, do you have any plans for the weekend?

Would you like any help with your homework?

Is there any reason why you can’t come to the party?

 

Some and any can also be used as pronouns, meaning they replace a noun.

For example, some of the cookies are gone (meaning some of the cookies are missing).

Did you bring any snacks? (meaning, did you bring any food or drinks?)

 

Some and any are determiners that are used to refer to an unspecified quantity or number of things or people.

Some and any with countable and uncountable nouns:

 

With countable nouns:

Some: It is used in affirmative sentences when the speaker wants to express that there is a specific quantity or number of things.

For example, I have some friends in London. (I have a specific number of friends.)

 

Any: It is used in negative and interrogative sentences when the speaker wants to ask or express if there is any quantity or number of things.

For example, I don’t have any friends in London. (I have zero friends in London.)

Do you have any apples? (Are there any apples available?)

 

With uncountable nouns:

Some: It is used in affirmative sentences when the speaker wants to express that there is a specific quantity or amount of something.

For example, I need some water. (I need a specific amount of water.)

 

Any: It is used in negative and interrogative sentences when the speaker wants to ask or express if there is any quantity or amount of something.

For example: I don’t have any water. (I have zero water.)

Do you have any information? (Is there any information available?)

 

Note that some is used in affirmative sentences, while any is used in negative and interrogative sentences.

 

Some can also be used with the preposition of to mean partly or to some extent.

For example, I’m feeling some of the effects of the medication (I’m feeling the effects partly).

Some of the food was delicious, but some of it was too salty. (The food was good partly, but not entirely.)

I agree with some of your points, but not all of them. (I agree with your points partly, but not entirely.)

 

In this usage, some is generally used before the noun it modifies, and of is used to indicate the part or extent.

This usage is more informal and conversational and may not be appropriate for formal writing.

Derivatives of some and any:

Both some and any have several derivatives that are used in different contexts.

Here are some of the most common ones:

 

Someone and anyone: these are pronouns that refer to a specific person (someone) or any person (anyone). They are used in singular form.

 

Someone left their bag on the bus. (A specific person left their bag.)

Did anyone see what happened? (Did any person see what happened?)

 

Something and anything:

These are pronouns that refer to a specific thing (something) or any thing (anything). They are used in singular form.

 

I need to buy something for my sister’s birthday. (I need to buy a specific thing.)

Do you have anything to eat? (Do you have any food?)

 

Somewhere and anywhere:

These are adverbs that refer to a specific place (somewhere) or any place (anywhere). They are used in singular form.

 

I’m going somewhere warm for vacation. (I’m going to a specific place.)

Have you seen my keys anywhere? (Have you seen them in any place?)

 

Somebody and anybody:

These are pronouns that refer to a specific person (somebody) or any person (anybody). They are used in singular form.

 

Somebody called for you while you were out (a specific person called).

Does anybody know how to fix a leaky faucet? (Does any one know?)

 

Someday and anytime:

These are adverbs that refer to a specific day in the future (someday) or any time (anytime). They are used in singular form.

 

I hope to travel to Europe someday. (I hope to travel to a specific day in the future.)

You can call me anytime you need help. (You can call me at any time.)

 

Note that these derivatives are typically used in singular form, but they can be used with plural nouns to refer to a group of people, things, or places.

 

For example:

Is there anyone in the room who wants to ask a question? (Referring to a group of people.)

We need to find something to do tonight (referring to a group of things.)

They’re going anywhere but here (referring to a group of places.)

Pronouns with some and any:

Do you have any homework for me? (Any is used to ask about an unspecified amount of homework.)

 

I need some help with my project (some is used to request a specific amount of help.)

I didn’t bring any food to the picnic (any is used to indicate an absence of something.)

Can I have some water, please? (Some is used to request a specific amount of water.)

I don’t see any reason to go to that movie (any is used to indicate the absence of a reason.)

Is there some way I can help you? (Some is used to offer assistance in a specific manner.)

Do you have any questions about the material? (Any is used to ask about an unspecified number of questions.)

I need some advice on how to handle this situation (Some is used to request a specific type of advice.)

I don’t have any money to lend you (Any is used to indicate the absence of money.)

Can you give me some examples of derivative pronouns? (Some is used to request a specific number of examples.)

 

No and none:

are both words used to indicate the absence or negation of something. However, they function differently in a sentence.

 

No is an adverb of negation. It is used to negate the verb in a sentence.

For example, I have no money (the verb have is negated by the adverb no.)

She has no idea what’s going on (the verb has is negated by the adverb no.)

 

None is a pronoun that refers to the absence of something. It is used to replace a noun that is not present.

 

For example, I have no money left. None of my friends could lend me any (here, none replaces money.)

Did you find any mistakes in the report? – None that I could see (here, none replaces mistakes.)

 

A few more examples:

There is no way I’m going to that party (the adverb no negates the verb going.)

None of the books on the shelf interest me (the pronoun none replaces books.)

I have no interest in politics (the adverb no negates the noun interest.)

None of the students completed the assignment on time (the pronoun none replaces students.)

She said no to his proposal (the adverb no negates the verb said.)

 

The usage of no and none with count and non-count nouns and in singular or plural depends on the noun they are referring to.

 

No is used with both count and non-count nouns, and it can be used in both singular and plural forms.

For example, there are no students in the classroom (count noun in plural form.)

I have no patience for this (a non-count noun in singular form.)

There is no book on the shelf (count noun in singular form.)

 

None is used with both count and non-count nouns, and the nouns can be used in both singular and plural forms. However, when used with count nouns, it is often followed by an of and a plural noun.

For example, none of the students in the class passed the exam (count noun in plural form).

I have none of the patience required for this task (a non-count noun in singular form).

None of the books on the shelf interest me (count nouns in plural form).

 

Note that when none is used with count nouns, it is treated as a plural noun, and the verb is conjugated accordingly.

 

For example, none of my friends were at the party (the plural verb were is used to agree with the plural noun friends).

 

Nobody and no one:

are pronouns that are used to indicate the absence of a person. They are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.

Examples of how they are used in sentences:

Nobody was in the room when I arrived.

No one came to the party last night.

 

In these sentences, nobody and no one are used as the subject of the sentence to indicate that there was an absence of a person.

They are both singular pronouns and are treated as such in the sentence.

 

No one is generally considered the more formal or literary version of nobody, although both are widely used in spoken and written English.

 

Nothing:

is a pronoun that is used to indicate the absence of something or the absence of any particular thing.

Examples of how nothing is used in sentences:

There is nothing in the fridge to eat.

I found nothing of value in the old box.

 

In these sentences, nothing is used as the object of the sentence, indicating the absence of food in the fridge and the absence of anything of value in the old box.

 

Nothing can also be used as a subject, as in the following example:

Nothing can stop us from achieving our goals.

 

In this sentence, nothing is used as the subject of the sentence to indicate that there is no obstacle or barrier that can prevent the speaker and their team from achieving their goals.

 

In general, nothing is used to indicate the absence of something, and it is often used to emphasise that there is absolutely no presence of the thing being referred to.

Not anybody, not anyone, and not anything:

are negative pronouns that are used to indicate the absence of a person, thing, or any particular thing.

Examples of how they are used in sentences:

I did not see anybody on my way to work this morning.

She did  not invite anyone to her birthday party.

There was not anything interesting to watch on TV last night.

 

In these sentences, not anybody, not anyone, and not anything are used in combination with not to form a negative sentence that indicates the absence of a person, people, or thing.

 

The more common usage is to use nobody, no one, and nothing. instead of not anybody, not anyone, and not anything.

For example, I didn’t see anybody on my way to work this morning.

 

Using negative forms can sometimes make a sentence more emphatic, but it’s not necessary for clear communication.

 

Much and many:

are both pronouns that are used to describe quantities, but they are used in different contexts.

Much is used with uncountable nouns, which are things that cannot be easily counted or measured, such as water, sand, or information.

For example, I don’t have much money.

There isn’t much time left.

She doesn’t eat much meat.

 

In these sentences, much is used to describe an amount of something that cannot be easily counted.

 

Many is used with countable nouns, which are things that can be easily counted or measured, such as apples, books, or people.

For example, how many apples do you have?

There are many books on that shelf.

How many people are coming to the party?

 

In these sentences, many is used to describe a number of things that can be easily counted.

 

In general, much is used with uncountable nouns, while many is used with countable nouns.

 

However, there are some exceptions and variations in usage depending on the context and the speaker’s intention.

 

Some examples of how much and many can be used in interrogative and negative sentences, as well as with the phrase a lot of:

Interrogative sentences:

How much water do you need?

How many books are on the shelf?

How much time did it take to complete the project?

 

In these sentences, much is used with an uncountable noun (water, time), while many is used with a countable noun (books).

 

Negative sentences:

I don’t have much money.

There aren’t many apples left.

He doesn’t eat much sugar.

 

In these sentences, much is used with an uncountable noun (money, sugar), while many is used with a countable noun (apples).

 

A lot of and lots of can also be used instead of much and many in informal speech:

I have a lot of work to do.

There are lots of people in the park.

She doesn’t eat lots of sugar.

 

In these sentences, a lot of and lots of are used with both countable and uncountable nouns.

 

Much and many can be used with other words: rather and too; so as; how; very.

Rather and too:

I have rather too much work to do (uncountable noun).

There were rather too many people at the party (countable noun).

 

In these sentences, rather and too are used to indicate an excessive amount or an amount that is more than necessary.

 

So as:

I don’t want to eat so much food as to make myself sick (uncountable noun).

We don’t want to invite so many people as to overcrowd the room (countable noun).

 

In these sentences, so as is used to indicate a purpose or intention.

 

How:

How much money do you need? (uncountable noun)

How many friends do you have? (countable noun)

 

In these sentences, how is used to ask about the quantity of something.

 

Very:

I have very much enjoyed our conversation (uncountable noun).

There are very many options to choose from (countable noun).

 

In these sentences, very is used to emphasise the quantity or degree of something.

Little and few:

Little and few are both pronouns that are used to describe small or insufficient quantities, but they are used in different contexts.

Little is used with uncountable nouns, which are things that cannot be easily counted or measured, such as water, sand, or information.

For example, there is little water in the pool.

He had little time to prepare for the exam.

She has little experience in that field.

 

In these sentences, little is used to describe a small or insufficient amount of something that cannot be easily counted.

 

Few is used with countable nouns, which are things that can be easily counted or measured, such as apples, books, or people.

For example, there are few apples left on the tree.

Few people attended the meeting.

He has  few friends in this town.

 

In these sentences, few is used to describe a small or insufficient number of things that can be easily counted.

In general, little is used with uncountable nouns, while few is used with countable nouns.

However, there are some exceptions and variations in usage depending on the context and the speaker’s intention.

 

Some examples of how little and few can be used in different contexts are:

Little and few in interrogative sentences:

Do you have little water left?

Are there few books on that shelf?

Is there little time left to complete the project?

 

In these sentences, little and few are used to ask about the amount or number of something.

 

Little and few in negative sentences:

There is little hope of success.

He has few opportunities for advancement.

She has little interest in the topic.

 

In these sentences, little and few are used to indicate a small or insufficient amount or number of something.

 

A little and a few:

A little and a few can be used instead of little and few in certain contexts to indicate a small but sufficient amount or number:

I need a little time to think about it.

We have a few options to consider.

He has a few friends in this town.

 

A little is used with uncountable nouns, which are things that cannot be easily counted or measured, such as water, sand, or information.

Examples, can you give me a little water?

I need a little more time to finish this task.

He showed a little kindness to the stray dog.

 

In these sentences, a little is used to describe a small but sufficient amount of something that cannot be easily counted.

 

A few is used with countable nouns, which are things that can be easily counted or measured, such as apples, books, or people.

For example, can I have a few minutes of your time?

I have a few books that you might find interesting.

We need a few more chairs for the dinner party.

 

In these sentences, a few is used to describe a small but sufficient number of things that can be easily counted.

In general, a little is used with uncountable nouns, while a few is used with countable nouns.

There are some exceptions and variations in usage depending on the context and the speaker’s intention

Some examples of how a little and a few can be used in different contexts are:

A little and a few in affirmative sentences:

I need a little help with this project.

He has a few friends in this town.

Can I have a few slices of pizza?

 

In these sentences, a little and a few are used to indicate a small but sufficient amount or number of something.

 

A little and a few in comparative sentences:

I need a little more time to finish this task than I thought.

There are a few more people in the room than I expected.

She needs a few more ingredients to finish the recipe.

 

In these sentences, a little and a few are used to indicate a slight increase or difference in the amount or number of something.

 

Definite article: The before little and few:

The usage of the article the before little and few depends on the context and the speaker’s intention. Here are some general guidelines:

 

Use the before little and few with the meaning not much but all there is, the small amount and quantity but all.

She has read the few French books she has.

I spent the little money I had.

The few libraries that we have are not well equipped. 

I saw the few friends of mine that I invited to the party.

 

                      Indefinite article a/an before little and few:

Use a or an before little and few when referring to a small but sufficient amount or number:

 

Can I have a little water, please?

I need an extra few minutes to finish this task.

 

In these sentences, a and an are used to indicate a small but sufficient amount or number of something.

 

All:

The pronoun all is used to refer to the whole quantity, extent, or number of something.

Some examples of how all can be used are:

 

As a subject:

All is forgiven (here, all is the subject of the sentence and refers to everything that needs to be forgiven).

 

As an object:

He ate all of the cake (here, all is the object of the verb ate and refers to the entire quantity of cake).

 

As a pronoun:

They ate all (here, all is a pronoun that stands for all of the food, all of the cake, or some other previously mentioned or implied object).

 

As a determiner:

All the students passed the exam (here, all is a determiner that modifies the noun students and refers to the entire group of students.)

 

In conjunction with of:

All of the students passed the exam (here, all of is a phrase that modifies the noun students and refers to the entire group of students.)

 

All can be used as both a singular and a plural pronoun. When used as a singular pronoun, it takes a singular verb; when used as a plural pronoun, it takes a plural verb.

 

Some more examples of how all can be used in different contexts:

To refer to the entire group or quantity:

All of the apples on the tree have been picked.

All of the students in the class are required to attend the meeting.

 

To indicate a complete action or situation:

She gave all of her time to the project.

He won all of the matches in the tournament.

 

To emphasise a superlative quality:

This is the best movie of all.

He’s the tallest of all the boys in his class.

 

The usage of all depends on the context and the speaker’s intention and can be used in a variety of grammatical roles, including subject, object, pronoun, and determiner.

All can be used with time expressions such as morning, day, and night to refer to the entire period of time.

Some examples: 

All morning: I was working on my essay all morning.

She was practicing the piano all morning.

 

All day: We spent all day at the beach.

He’s been in meetings all day.

 

All night: They danced all night at the party.

I stayed up studying all night.

 

In each of these sentences, all is used to indicate the entire period of time.

 

All is usually used with a time expression that specifies a time period, and not just a general time of day.

(e.g., all afternoon instead of all afternoon long).

 

All can be used with other words to indicate the entire quantity or extent of something, such as

all the people, all the money, or all the resources.

 

Again, the usage of all depends on the context and the speaker’s intention.

 

All can also be used with pronouns, such as

as we all, you all, and they all

to refer to every member of a group.

Some examples:

We all: We all went to the movie theatre last night.

We all need to work together to finish this project.

You all: Are you all coming to the party tonight?

You all did a great job on the project.

They all: They all went on vacation together last summer.

They all agreed to the new plan.

 

In each of these sentences, all is used to emphasise that every member of the group is included.

 

All is often used in informal or colloquial language and is more commonly used in spoken English than in formal writing.

When all is used as a subject, the verb is usually singular:

All is well (all is the subject and “is” is the singular verb).

All that glitters is not gold (“all” is the subject and “is” is the singular verb).

All that remains is to wait (“all” is the subject and “is” is the singular verb).

When all is used as a pronoun or determiner, the verb is usually plural because all refers to a group of people or things:

They all enjoyed the movie (all is a pronoun that refers to they, so the verb “enjoyed” is plural).

All the books on the shelf are new (all is a determiner that modifies books, so the verb are is plural).

 

All the students in the class passed the test (all is a determiner that modifies students, so the verb passed is plural).

It’s important to pay attention to the context and the subject of the sentence to determine whether the verb should be singular or plural.

Both:

Both is a conjunction that is used to connect two things or ideas that are similar or related.

It is also used as a pronoun or a determiner to refer to two things or people together.

Some examples of how both is used:

As a conjunction:

Both the cat and the dog like to play outside.

She enjoys both playing the piano and singing.

We need to consider both the pros and the cons before making a decision.

 

In these sentences, both is used to connect two things or ideas that are similar or related.

It is typically followed by and and is used to show that both things are important or relevant.

As a pronoun:

Both of them are coming to the party tonight.

Both are talented artists, but their styles are very different.

I have two options, but I’m not sure which one to choose. Both seem good.

 

In these sentences, both is used as a pronoun to refer to two people, things, or ideas together. It is typically followed by of or a plural noun and is used to emphasise that both things are included or relevant.

 

As a determiner:

Both books are excellent, but I prefer the first one.

They ate both pizzas in one sitting.

I bought both dresses on sale.

 

In these sentences, both is used as a determiner to indicate that there are two of something. It is typically followed by a plural noun and is used to show that both things are included or relevant.

 

Both is a versatile word that can be used as a conjunction, pronoun, or determiner to connect, compare, or emphasise two things or ideas together.

 

When both are used with the article, it typically refers to two specific things or people that have already been mentioned or are known to both the speaker and the listener.

 

Some examples of how both are used in the article are:

As a pronoun:

John and Jane are both coming to the party tonight. The Both of them said yes.

I have two job offers, but I need to decide which one to take. The  Both of them have their pros and cons.

 

In these examples, both are used as pronouns to refer to two specific people or things that have already been mentioned.

Both of them is a common way of using both in the article and emphasises that both things are included or relevant.

 

As a determiner:

Both books I read last week were really interesting.

I ate both pizzas by myself.

Both dresses I tried on were too expensive.

 

In these sentences, both are used as a determiner to indicate that there are two specific things that have already been mentioned. It is used to emphasise that both things are included or relevant.

 

Both stand after a verb to be:

When both are used after the verb to be, it typically serves as a coordinating conjunction to connect two noun phrases.

Some examples of how both are used after the verb are:

She is both a teacher and a writer.

The hotel room was both spacious and comfortable.

They are both good friends and business partners.

 

In these sentences, both are used to connect two noun phrases that describe a person, place, or thing. The verb to be serves as a linking verb that connects the subject to the noun phrases.

Both are typically used after the verb to emphasise that both qualities or attributes are true or present.

 

Both before the verb are to be:

to emphasise that two things are included or relevant.

For example, both of them are nice.

Both of us were tired.

Both of the movies were great.

 

In these sentences, both are used before the verb to emphasise that two things are included or relevant. Both of them and both of us are common ways of using both before the verb to be.

 

We both, you both, and they both are all used to refer to two people or things that are being discussed.

 

These phrases are used as subjects or objects of a sentence and typically come before a verb.

Some examples:

We both enjoy going to the movies.

You both need to be careful when driving.

They both have different opinions about the issue.

 

Both of you, both of them, and both of us are also used to refer to two people or things, but these phrases are used as determiners to modify a noun. They are typically followed by a noun or pronoun that describes the people or things being discussed.

Some examples:

Both of you are invited to the party.

I bought both of them a gift for their birthdays.

We completed both of the assignments on time.

 

In general, we both, you both, and they both are used to refer to two people or things in a sentence, while both of you, both of them, and both of us are used to modify a noun or pronoun.

 

When both is used as subjects or objects in a sentence, the verb that follows it should be in the plural form. This is because both refers to two things or people, which is a plural concept.

Some examples:

Both of my friends are coming to the party tonight (the verb are is plural to match the subject both).

We both love hiking in the mountains (the verb love is plural to match the subject we both have).

They both have different opinions about the issue (the verb have is plural to match the subject they both have).

 

In each of these sentences, the verb is in the plural form to match the plural subject.

 

Use a plural verb when both is used as the subject or object of a sentence.

 

When both is used in a negative sentence, the negative word (such as not) is typically placed before both to indicate that neither of the two things or people are true or present.

Some examples:

Both of my friends are not coming to the party tonight (the negative word not is placed before both to indicate that neither friend is coming to the party).

We both do not like spicy food (the negative word not is placed before both to indicate that neither of us like spicy food).

They both did not pass the exam (the negative word not is placed before both to indicate that neither of them passed the exam).

 

In each of these sentences, the negative word not is placed before both to indicate that neither of the two things or people are true or present.

 

The verb that follows both should still be in the plural form, even in negative sentences.

Neither is used to refer to two things or people when both of them are not true or present.

In contrast, both is used when both things or people are true or present.

Some examples of neither being used instead of both are:

Neither of my friends is coming to the party tonight (this indicates that neither friend will be coming to the party).

We neither like nor dislike spicy food (this indicates that we have no strong feelings either way about spicy food).

Neither of them passed the exam (this indicates that both of them failed the exam).

 

In each of these sentences, neither is used instead of both to indicate that neither of the two things or people are true or present.

The verb that follows neither should still be in the singular form, even when referring to two things or people.

 

Either and neither:

The pronouns either and neither are used to refer to two things or people, typically in a negative or alternative context.

Some examples of their usage include:

Either is used to refer to one of two things or people.

For example, you can either take the bus or walk to work.

Either can also be used to offer a choice between two options.

For example, would you like tea or coffee? Either is fine with me.

 

Neither is used to indicate that two things or people are not true or present.

For example, neither of my parents like spicy food.

 

Neither can also be used to indicate a negative choice or option.

For example, I can’t come to the party on Saturday, and neither can I come on Sunday.

 

Both either and neither can be used as pronouns or determiners and are often used in combination with or and nor.

The verb that follows either or neither should still be in the singular form, even when referring to two things or people.

When using either or neither with countable nouns, you can use the phrase before the noun to specify which two things or people you are referring to.

 

Some examples of using either and neither with countable nouns and the phrase:

Either of the two books will work for the assignment (this indicates that either one of the two specific books will work).

Neither of the cats likes to be held (this indicates that both of the specific cats do not like to be held).

 

In both of these sentences, the verb that follows either or neither should be in the singular form, since you are referring to one of two things or people.

The verb should agree in number with the noun that follows it.

Some examples:

Either of the students is capable of doing the project (the singular verb agrees with the singular noun student).

Neither of the cars is working properly (the singular verb agrees with the singular noun car).

Neither is the negative form of either

 

When we use either, we are referring to one of two possibilities.

For example, either we can go to the beach or we can go to the park.

 

When we use neither, we are indicating that neither of the two possibilities is true.

For example, neither of the options appeals to me.

 

So, while either presents two options, neither indicates that both options are negative or not true.

Either can also be used as an adverb in negative sentences to mean either not or neither.

 

Some examples:

I don’t like coffee, and I don’t like tea either (here, either is used to mean also not).

I haven’t seen either of the movies (here, either is used to mean neither).

 

In both of these sentences, either is used to add emphasis to the negative sentence and indicate that both options are not true or present.

 

Neither can also be used as an adverb in negative sentences to mean either not or nor.

Some examples:

I don’t like coffee, and neither do I like tea (here, neither is used to mean also not).

I haven’t seen either of the movies, and neither do I plan to (here, neither is used to mean nor).

 

In both of these sentences, neither is used to add emphasis to the negative sentence and indicate that both options are not true or present.

 

Either…or and neither…nor:

are both correlative conjunctions used to connect two alternatives or negations.

Either…or is used to present two options or alternatives, with the understanding that only one of them can be true.

For example, you can either come with us to the beach or stay at home and work on your project.

 

In this sentence, the person has two options: they can either come with the group to the beach or stay at home and work on their project. They cannot do both.

 

Neither is used to indicate that both alternatives are not true or not present.

For example, neither the book nor the movie were interesting to me.

 

In this sentence, the speaker did not find either the book or the movie interesting.

 

 

Note that neither…nor can also be used to connect three or more negations.

For example:

Neither the book, the movie, nor the TV show held my attention.

 

In this sentence, the speaker did not find any of the three options interesting.

 

Every:

Each:

Some grammar rules and examples for each and every

Each and every are both used to refer to every member of a group.

Each is used to refer to individual things in a group of  two or more things, while every is used when referring to a list  of three and more things.

Each is used as a determiner before a countable noun in singular and substitutes an article.

Each student must complete his assignment by Friday.

Each day of the week has its challenges.

When each is used as an object of a sentence the preposition of comes after it. 

Each of you should write an essay.

Each of the students knows the rules.

Every can be used just as a determiner to define a countable noun in singular and an article is omitted.

Every day, we start work at 9 a.m.

Every student in the class is required to attend the meeting. 

 

Every can form its derivatives with the help of words like –body, one, and thing: 

everybody, everyone and everything

These pronouns function as subjects and objects in the sentences and the verb is in singular.

Everybody knows this story.

Everything was ready,

Everyone has come.

In general, each is used to focus on individual members of a group, while every is used to emphasise the group as a whole.

Everyone: This is a pronoun that refers to all people in a group, similar to everybody.

Everything: This is a pronoun that refers to all things or objects, similar to every item or every object.

Everywhere: This is an adverb that refers to all places or locations, similar to every place.

Everywhere (less common): this is another word that can be used instead of everywhere.

Every man (less common): this is a term that refers to an ordinary person, similar to every person.

 

These words are all related to each other and have similar meanings.

 

Other:

The pronoun other is used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one that has already been mentioned or is known.

 

Some examples of how other can be used are:

I’m not interested in this book, but do you have any other books by the same author?

I already have a blue shirt, but I’m looking for something in a different colour. Do you have any other shirts?

We are out of sugar, but we have other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

 

In each of these sentences, other is used to refer to something that is different or separate from what has already been mentioned or known.

It can be used to emphasise the contrast between two things or to suggest that there are additional options or possibilities.

As an adjective, other is used to describe something that is different or separate from what has already been mentioned or known.

 

Some examples of how other can be used as adjectives are:

I need a different pair of shoes; these ones are too tight. Do you have any other shoes?

The other day, I saw a different side of her personality that I had never seen before.

 

In each of these sentences, other is used to describe something that is distinct or separate from what has already been mentioned or known.

 

Another and other:

Another and other are both pronouns and adjectives, but they are used in different ways.

 

Another is used to refer to an additional or different person, thing, or idea.

It is used when referring to something that is similar to or the same as something that has already been mentioned.

For example, I already have a red shirt, but I want another one in blue.

I have already tried one brand of coffee, but maybe I’ll try another one.

 

In these sentences, another is used to refer to an additional or different shirt or brand of coffee.

 

Other is used to refer to a person, thing, or idea that is different or separate from what has already been mentioned.

It can be used to describe something that is distinct or separate from what has already been mentioned.

For example, if I don’t want this book, do you have any other books by the same author?

She has a unique perspective on the issue that is different from what other people have shared.

 

In these sentences, other is used to refer to a different book or different perspectives from others.

 

In summary, another is used to refer to something that is similar or the same as something that has already been mentioned, while other is used to refer to something that is different or distinct from what has already been mentioned.

 

As a noun, other can refer to a person or thing that is different or separate from what has already been mentioned or known.

For example:

I saw him talking not with Kate  at the party but with the other, and I don’t know who she is.

There were many options to choose from, but none of them seemed quite right. So I decided to go with the other.

 

In the first sentence, other is used to refer to a person who is different from the one who is being talked about.

In the second sentence, other is used to refer to a choice or option that is different from the ones that were initially considered.

 

Other(s) can also be used as a collective noun to refer to a group of people or things that are different from what has already been mentioned.

For example:

The others in the group were all experienced hikers, but I had never climbed a mountain before.

Some of the paintings in the exhibit were classical, while the others were more modern.

 

In these sentences, others is used to refer to a group of people or things that are different from the ones that have already been mentioned.

 

The other can be used as a pronoun or an adjective to refer to a specific person or thing that is different or separate from what has already been mentioned or known.

For example:

He has two brothers; one is a doctor, and the other is a lawyer. (pronoun)

She bought a shirt and a skirt, but the other dress was too expensive. (adjective)

 

In these sentences, the other is used to refer to a specific person or thing that is different from the ones that have already been mentioned or known.

 

The use of the before implies that there is a specific one being referred to.

 

Others:

Others is a plural pronoun used to refer to additional people or things beyond those that have already been mentioned or known.

It is often used to describe a group of people or things that are different from the one(s) being talked about.

For example, I invited my friends to the party, but others showed up that I didn’t know.

She prefers classic literature, but others enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy.

Some people like spicy food, but others can’t handle the heat.

 

In these sentences, others are used to refer to people or things that are different from the ones that have already been mentioned.

 

It can be used to describe a wide range of individuals or objects that share some common characteristics but are not specifically identified.

 

One:

The pronoun one is used to refer to a person in a general or impersonal sense.

It is often used to express an idea or concept in a more abstract or hypothetical way, rather than referring to a specific individual.

For example, one should always be respectful to others.

If one wants to succeed, one must work hard.

One can never be too careful when dealing with sensitive information.

 

In these sentences, one is used to express a general idea or piece of advice rather than referring to a specific person.

 

The pronoun one is often used to refer to an indefinite or generic person rather than a specific individual.

It is often used in situations where the speaker or writer wants to express a more general or abstract idea.

For example, one should always be honest in their dealings with others.

If one wants to be successful, one must be disciplined and focused.

One cannot simply rely on luck to achieve their goals.

 

In each of these sentences, one is used to refer to an indefinite or generic person rather than a specific individual.

The pronoun one is often used in more formal or academic contexts and can sometimes be seen as old-fashioned or impersonal.

 

The pronoun one with the modal verbs:

The pronoun one is often used with modal verbs like must, ought to, can, may, and should to express a general piece of advice or a hypothetical situation.

Some examples: One must always be prepared for the unexpected.

If one wants to stay healthy, one ought to exercise regularly.

One can never be too careful when it comes to cyber-security.

If one is not sure, one may want to seek professional advice.

One should always treat others with respect and kindness.

 

In each of these sentences, one is used to express a general piece of advice or a hypothetical situation rather than referring to a specific individual.

The use of one can make a statement sound more formal or impersonal.

The pronoun one can be used to eliminate repetition in a sentence, especially when the same noun would otherwise need to be repeated.

For example, I love reading books, but it’s hard to find time to read books during the week.

I love reading books, but one doesn’t always have time to do so during the week.

In the second sentence, the pronoun one is used to replace the repeated noun I.

 

This makes the sentence sound more formal and also avoids repeating the same noun twice, which can be repetitive and awkward.

Using the pronoun, one can also make a sentence sound more general or abstract rather than specific to the speaker or writer.

For example, I think this restaurant is the best in town.

One might argue that this restaurant is the best in town.

 

In the second sentence, the use of one makes the statement sound more objective and general, rather than being the personal opinion of the speaker or writer.

The pronoun one can be used in a sentence when an adjective is followed by a noun; one can be used as a substitute for the noun.

This is useful when referring to a general category or type of thing, rather than a specific object or person.

For example, I need to buy a new pair of shoes.

I need to buy a new pair, but I’m not sure which one.

 

In the second sentence, the pronoun one is used to substitute the countable noun pair.

This makes the sentence sound more concise and avoids repetition.

Another example: She received many beautiful flowers on her birthday.

She received many beautiful ones on her birthday.

 

In the second sentence, one is used to substitute flowers.

This emphasises the quality of the flowers and makes the sentence sound more efficient.

 

The pronoun one after demonstrative pronouns:

The pronoun one can also be used after demonstrative pronouns (such as this and that), relative pronouns (such as which), and other pronouns like another and the other.

Some examples: I prefer this one to that one.

Which one do you want, the red one or the blue one?

I would like another one, please.

I lost my phone, so I had to buy a new one.

I like this shirt, but I think the other one looks better on me.

 

In each of these sentences, one is used to refer back to the noun that was previously mentioned, in order to avoid repetition.

This makes the sentence sound more concise and efficient.

The pronouns are not typically used after these and those.

Instead, the plural noun that was previously mentioned is usually repeated or referred to using another pronoun, such as they or them.

For example, I really like these shoes. I might buy them in another colour.

Those cupcakes look delicious! Can I try one?

These books are heavy. Let’s carry them together.

I don’t like those socks. Do they have any others in my size?

 

In each of these sentences, the plural noun (shoes, cupcakes, books, socks) is either repeated or referred to using another pronoun.

 

The pronouns are not used in these cases.

The pronoun is typically used to refer back to a plural noun that was previously mentioned or implied.

 

One is commonly used in the following situations:

To refer back to a previously mentioned noun: I like these shoes, but I prefer the ones with the red laces.

To refer back to a noun that was implied: I need some new pens. Can you give me the ones in the blue box?

To compare or contrast two things: I don’t like these cookies, but the ones my mom makes are delicious.

To specify or emphasise a particular group or type of things: I want to buy some new pillows, but I only like the fluffy ones.

 

In each of these sentences, one is used to refer back to a plural noun that was previously mentioned or implied.

The use of one with the first, the next, or the last is not common.

Instead, in these cases, a specific noun or pronoun is often used to avoid ambiguity.

For example, the first time I rode a bike, I fell off.

The next book I want to read is “Pride and Prejudice.”

The last time we saw each other was at the party.

 

                       One can be used with the first, the next, or the last

to indicate a specific member of a group or sequence, especially when the specific identity is not relevant or unknown.

For example, the last one to arrive at the meeting will have to buy coffee for everyone.

The first one to finish the race gets a prize.

The next one to ask a question will receive a free t-shirt.

One is not typically used with possessive pronouns like my, his, her, our, your, or their.

Instead, the possessive pronoun is used as the subject of the sentence.

such as when my friends and I went to the movies.

rather than One’s friends and oneself going to the movies.

One is not typically used with a noun in the possessive case, as it already indicates an indefinite person or thing.

For example, it would be more common to say

One should take care of one’s health.

rather than One should take care of one’s own health.

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to learn more about Indefinite Pronouns

Click here to learn more about The Types of the English Pronouns