INDEFINITE PRONOUNS.
Definition and examples.
136. Indefinite
pronouns are words which stand for an indefinite number or quantity of
persons or things; but, unlike adjective pronouns, they are never used as
adjectives.
Most of them are compounds of two or more
words:—
List.
Somebody, some one, something;
anybody, any one (or anyone), anything;
everybody, every one (or everyone), everything;
nobody, no one, nothing; somebody else, anyone
else, everybody else, every one else, etc.; also
aught, naught; and somewhat, what, and
they.
The following sentences
contain indefinite pronouns:—
As he had them of all hues, he hoped to fit
everybody's fancy.
Every one knows how laborious the usual method is
of attaining to arts and sciences.
Nothing sheds more honor on our early history
than the impression which these measures everywhere produced in America.
Let us also perform something worthy to be
remembered.
William of Orange was more than anything else a
religious man.
Frederick was discerned to be a purchaser of
everything that nobody else would buy.
These other souls draw me as nothing else
can.
The genius that created it now creates somewhat
else.
Every one else stood still at his post.
That is perfectly true: I did not want anybody
else's authority to write as I did.
They indefinite means people in general;
as,—
At lovers' perjuries, they say, Jove laughs.—Shakespeare.
What indefinite is used in the expression "I tell
you what." It means something, and was indefinite in Old
English.
Now, in building of chaises, I
tell you what,
There is always somewhere a weakest
spot.
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