Somebody, Someone, Anybody, Anyone etc.

There is no real difference between somebody and someone. Similarly, there is no difference between anybody and anyone, everybody and everyone or nobody and no one.

Note that the forms with body are a little more informal.

There is somebody at the door. (= There is someone at the door.) Is there anybody? (= Is there anyone?)

Some- and any-

The difference between somebody and anybody, somewhere and anywhere and something and anything are the same as the difference between some and any.

The words somebody, something, somewhere etc., are used in affirmative clauses, whereas the words anybody, anything, anywhere etc., are used in negative and interrogative sentences.

There is somebody at the door. Did anyone come? I don’t want to go anywhere too expensive. If you need anything just tell me.

When these words are used as subjects they are followed by singular verbs.

Everybody loves her. Everything is ready.

Note that somebody is normally used to refer to only one person. To refer to more than one person, we use some people.

Somebody wants to meet you. some people want to meet you.

To refer back to somebody, anybody etc., they, them and their are used with singular meanings.

Nobody came, did they? (Here the pronoun they refers back to nobody.) Somebody left their umbrella in the office. (Here the pronoun their refers back to somebody.)

Everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere

Everyone, everybody, everything and everywhere are indefinite pronouns.

We use them to refer to a total number of people, things and places. We write them as one word:

His name was Henry but everyone called him Harry.

All your clothes are clean. I washed everything yesterday.

The sand got everywhere, into eyes, hair, tents, cups of tea, camera lenses.

We use everyone, everybody, everything and everywhere with singular verbs:

Everybody knows the truth.

At night, with the lights shining on the water, everything looks different.

We couldn’t get a seat. Everywhere was so crowded.

Warning:

We don’t add s to everything to make it plural:

Children can buy everything they want.

Not: Children can buy everything they want.

When we want to refer back to everyone or everybody and we don’t know if everyone is male or female, we use him or her and his or her. In informal styles, we use plural pronouns they, their and them:

Everybody has a team leader in charge of him or her.

Not everyone has his or her own desk.

Everyone has to climb to the top. When they get to the top, they have to blow their whistle. (more informal)

Has everyone got their coats? (more informal)

We can use everybody and everyone as the subject of imperative clauses. We use the base form of the verb:

Everybody stand up!

Everyone and everybody

Everyone and everybody mean the same. Everyone is a little more formal than everybody. Everyone is used more in writing than everybody:

She knew everybody in the room.

Could everybody listen for a minute?

When everyone had gathered in the garden, Sergeant joined them and said, ‘Welcome, everyone!’

• We write everyone as one word:

Twenty years ago everyone used an alarm clock that rang like a bell. (every person)

Not: Twenty years ago every one used an alarm clock …

• We don’t normally use ‘all people’ to generalize about human beings:

Everyone has a right to basic freedoms.

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Whatever, whenever, wherever, whichever, whoever : If we add -ever to wh-words like what, which, when, where and who,  we change their meaning to : “it doesn’t matter”, or “no matter” what, which, when, where and who … Whatever, whenever, wherever, whichever, whoever are used as follows :

• Whatever = anything or everything; regardless of what, no matter what - Whatever you do, don't forget your grandmother's birthday. - Take whatever you want from the fridge of you're hungry. - Put that thing away whatever it is! - She won't listen to you whatever you say. 

• Whenever = every time; at any time; regardless of when, not matter when - You can borrow my dictionary whenever you like.  - Whenever we plan a picnic it rains!  - He interrupts me whenever I start to speak. - Whenever I open this cupboard something falls out!

• Wherever = everywhere; regardless of where, no matter where - Wherever you go you'll always find someone who speaks English. - She'll be happy wherever she decides to live. - We'll go on holiday wherever you want to go - you choose! - My grandfather accompanies my grandmother wherever she goes.

• Whichever = the person or thing which; regardless of which, no matter which - Wear whichever shoes are the most comfortable. - Take whichever one you want. - Choose whichever earrings you like - it's your birthday! - Take any book you like - whichever one interests you. 

• Whoever = the person who; regardless of who, no matter who - Whoever comes with you is welcome. - Whoever opened the gate didn't close it. - I don't want to talk to you, - whoever you are! - I'm so annoyed with whoever borrowed the dictionary and didn't put it back!

Impersonal "It" and "There"

This is a short text about Victoria in the summer. Complete the text. Some spaces need "there is", some need "there are", and some need "it is" or "it's". Put the right phrase in each space.

Type in all of your answers and then click on "Check answers". If you need help, click "Show a letter".

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My favourite time of the year in Victoria is the summer. Right now,  July, and   flowers everywhere.   hot enough to wear shorts all the time, but not too hot. Downtown,   hundreds of tourists, but if you don't like crowds,   easy to get away.   a beautiful park called Beacon Hill Park on the seashore, and   only about one kilometre from downtown. From the park,   a lovely view out to sea, and sometimes   whales passing by.

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