Indefinite Adjectives

Used to describe non-specific people or things

Indefinite Adjectives describe nouns in a non-specific or general way. They give an idea of quantity or identity without being exact.

Function: Modify nouns to indicate non-specific amount or identity.

Key Indefinite Adjectives

  • some - an unspecified quantity
  • any - no matter which or what amount
  • many - a large number (countable)
  • few - a small number (countable)
  • several - more than two but not many
  • each - every one individually
  • every - all individuals of a group
  • all - the entire quantity
  • none - not any
  • both - the two considered together
  • either - one or the other
  • neither - not one and not the other

Usage Rules

  • Placed before the noun they describe.
  • Can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns depending on the adjective.
  • Should agree in number with the noun (e.g., "few people" vs. "little time").
  • Some function differently in affirmative vs. negative/interrogative sentences (e.g., "some" vs. "any").

Examples in Sentences

  • Some students arrived early.
  • Are there any messages for me?
  • Many books were donated to the library.
  • Few people understood the joke.
  • Each participant must register.
  • All the lights were turned off.

Common Errors and Fixes

1. Using "many" with uncountable nouns
  • ❌ I have many money → ✅ I have much money
2. Confusing "few" and "a few"
  • ❌ Few friends came to the party (implies almost none)
  • ✅ A few friends came to the party (implies some)
3. Incorrect use of "each" with plural noun
  • ❌ Each students got a certificate → ✅ Each student got a certificate

Indefinite Adjectives vs Indefinite Pronouns

Adjective: Some people left early. (modifies noun "people")

Pronoun: Some left early. (stands alone, replaces noun)

Practice Exercises

1. Identify the Indefinite Adjective

  1. Many children love cartoons. → Indefinite Adjective: Many
  2. She asked if there were any apples. → Indefinite Adjective: Any

2. Fill in the Blanks

  1. ______ of the cookies were eaten. (use: Some)
  2. We don't have ______ milk left. (use: any)
  3. ______ student must submit their own work. (use: Each)

3. Rewrite the Sentence

  1. There are a lot of books. → There are many books.
  2. I couldn't find books. → I couldn't find any books.

Pro Tips

1. "Some" vs "Any"

Some is used in affirmative sentences.

Any is used in questions and negative sentences.

Example: I have some tea. | Do you have any tea?

2. Countable vs Uncountable

  • Use many, few, several with countable nouns.
  • Use much, little with uncountable nouns.

3. Position in Sentence

Indefinite adjectives always come before the noun they describe.

Example: Each child was given a gift.

4. Watch for Double Negatives

Incorrect: I don't have no time. → Correct: I don't have any time.