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What are Some-, Any-, Every-, and No-?

These words are called indefinite pronouns or adverbs. They refer to people, things, or places without saying exactly who, what, or where they are.

We use them to talk about quantities in different types of sentences: positive, negative, or questions.

When do we use Some-?

We use some- words in positive sentences. They mean 'an unspecified amount or number'.

• Use someone or somebody for people. Example: Someone is at the door.
• Use something for things. Example: I need something to drink.
• Use somewhere for places. Example: Let's go somewhere nice.

We also use some- words in questions when we expect a 'yes' answer, or when we are offering or requesting something.

When do we use Any-?

We use any- words mainly in questions and negative sentences. They mean 'no matter who, what, or where'.

• Use anyone or anybody for people. Example: Is anyone home? or I don't see anyone.
• Use anything for things. Example: Do you have anything to eat? or She didn't say anything.
• Use anywhere for places. Example: Can we go anywhere? or I can't find my keys anywhere.

When do we use Every-?

We use every- words to talk about all people, things, or places in a group. They mean 'all' or 'each one'.

• Use everyone or everybody for people. Example: Everyone is happy today.
• Use everything for things. Example: Everything is ready for the party.
• Use everywhere for places. Example: I looked everywhere for my phone.

When do we use No-?

We use no- words in positive sentences to give them a negative meaning. They mean 'zero' or 'not any'.

• Use no one or nobody for people. Example: No one came to the meeting.
• Use nothing for things. Example: I have nothing to do.
• Use nowhere for places. Example: There's nowhere to sit.

Remember, we do not use no- words with a negative verb (like don't or isn't). This creates a double negative, which is incorrect in standard English.

Summary of <span data-no-translation>Some-</span>, <span data-no-translation>Any-</span>, <span data-no-translation>Every-</span>, <span data-no-translation>No-</span>

Category	<span data-no-translation>Some-</span>	<span data-no-translation>Any-</span>	<span data-no-translation>Every-</span>	<span data-no-translation>No-</span>
People	someone / somebody	anyone / anybody	everyone / everybody	no one / nobody
Things	something	anything	everything	nothing
Places	somewhere	anywhere	everywhere	nowhere
Usage	Positive sentences, offers, requests	Questions, negative sentences	All people/things/places	Zero people/things/places (with positive verb)

Examples

• I saw someone at the park.
• Do you have anything interesting to read?
• Everyone enjoyed the concert.
• She found her keys nowhere in the house.
• Would you like something to drink?
• I didn't go anywhere last weekend.
• Everything will be fine.
• There is nothing in the fridge.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

A common mistake for Spanish speakers is using a double negative. In Spanish, you might say "No tengo nada." (literally "I don't have nothing"). However, in English, you must choose one negative word:

• Incorrect: I don't have nothing.
• Correct: I have nothing. (Using no- word with a positive verb)
• Correct: I don't have anything. (Using any- word with a negative verb)

Always use only one negative word in an English sentence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between some- and any-?

We use some- words in positive sentences, offers, and requests. We use any- words in questions and negative sentences.

Can I use somebody instead of someone?

Yes, somebody and someone mean the same thing and are interchangeable. The same applies to anybody/anyone and everybody/everyone, and nobody/no one.

When do I use no one versus nothing?

Use no one (or nobody) when you are talking about zero people. Use nothing when you are talking about zero things.

Are these words always singular?

Yes, even though they refer to multiple people or things (like everyone), these words always take a singular verb. For example: Everyone is here. (not are).

Related lessons

• Expressions of quantity
• Expressions of quantity
• Expressions of quantity
• Expressions of quantity