Intermediate Level
Lesson 4
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Intermediate English
Lesson 4 - Work
Grammar

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Indefinites

Some-

Indefinites are words that refer to non-specific people or things.

someone, somebody
Somebody needs to help her.

something
Please give me something to write with.

somewhere
My pen is somewhere in my desk but I can't find it.

 

Every-

Indefinite words with every- refer to all people, things, or places.

everyone, everybody
Everybody likes chocolate.

everything
My teenage son eats everything.

everywhere
Reporters have to travel everywhere.

 

No-

The following indefinites are negative.

no one, nobody
Nobody is home right now.

nothing
There is nothing in that bag.

nowhere
There's nowhere to eat Mexican food in this town.

 

Any-

The following indefinites are used with questions or negative sentences.

anyone, anybody
Can anyone help me?
Don't tell anyone the secret.

anything
Do you want anything to eat?
I don't eat anything for breakfast.

anywhere
Are you going anywhere on Saturday?
I'm not going anywhere on Saturday.

 

Questions

With questions you can use some- or any-, but it is more common to use any-.

Do you have something?
Do you have anything?

 

Double Negative

It is not considered grammatically correct to use a negative indefinite with a negative verb (although it is used in some dialects). It is called a double-negative. You can use one negative indefinite (no one, nobody, nothing, nowhere) or a negative verb with an indefinite with any- (anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere).

I have nothing.
I don't have anything.

I don't have nothing.   Not correct

 

Practice
Select the correct indefinite. (In some there is more than one correct answer.)

1. There isn't in the bag. It's empty.
   

2. Do you know who lives in Texas?
   

3. I don't know about that problem.
   

4. I'm not going on vacation because I don't have any money.
I'm going to stay at home this year.    

5. She's sad because remembered her birthday.
   

6. I know who speaks French. She's from Paris.
   

7. I'm going to buy at the store but I don't know what.
   

8. Where's my pen? It's in the house because I already looked there.
   

9. I want to go beautiful on vacation. Maybe I'll go to Puerto Rico.
   

10. There's in the restaurant. All of the people left.
   

11. Where is he? He's in the building. Maybe he's outside.
    

12. I hope that can help me.
    

13. I need to buy for my husband's birthday next week.
    

14. There's in the box. I can see it.
    

15. Do you know at this party? I don't know anybody here.
    

 

Find the Mistake

Instructions
Find the errors in the sentences.  Write the sentences correctly.

example
She are a student. --> She is a student. 

1. I don't have nothing.
  

2. Everbody likes chocolate.
  

3. Do you have anithing? 
  

4. Don't tell nobody the secret.
  

5. Somebody need a book.
  

 

Study English Abroad

You will find more information about studying English abroad and inexpensive alternatives to studying abroad in the Study Abroad area of Passport to English.

Study Abroad Information
Why study abroad?
What to look for in a study abroad program
Types of Programs
Alternatives to Study Abroad
Home Exchange

 

 

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