Indefinite Pronouns

That table is all you need. The rule for choosing between them is mostly about some and any.

-one and -body mean the same thing: someone = somebody, no one = nobody. No one is written as two words.

some- in positive sentences

some-

සිංහලෙන්

• Someone gave me this book.
• He saw something in the garden.
• Kasun is looking for somewhere to live.

any- in negatives and questions

any-

සිංහලෙන්

• I don't have anything to eat.
• She didn't go anywhere last week.
• Is there anything to eat?
• Has anyone seen my umbrella?

any- in a positive sentence means it doesn't matter which:

any- = it doesn't matter which

සිංහලෙන්

• Choose anything from the menu.
• Invite anyone you like.

some- in questions: offers and requests

When you offer or ask for something, use some- in the question. You expect a "yes".

Offers and requests

සිංහලෙන්

• Would you like something to drink?offer
• Could someone help me, please?request
• Are you looking for someone?you think so

no- = not any-

nothing = not anything. The meaning is the same. But no- sounds stronger, and sometimes more emotional:

Same meaning, different feeling

සිංහලෙන්

• I don't know anything about it.neutral
• I know nothing about it!stronger
• I have nobody to talk to.sad

They take a singular verb

everyone, someone, nobody and the rest take a singular verb, even when they mean many people.

Quick check

Tap an answer. Nothing is saved.

1. I didn't buy at the sale.

   somethinganything

2. Could open the door, please?

   somebodyanybody

3. Everyone waiting for the bus.

   isare

4. She didn't say about the wedding.

   nothinganything

5. There's to park in Pettah on a weekday.

   anywherenowhere