Something, anything, nothing, everything
The some/any/no/every + thing/one/where grid; single negation (I know nothing vs I don't know anything)
I can use the compound pronoun grid with single negation and singular every-words.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Someone left something on the bus, and nobody wants to touch it.
Someone left something on the bus, and nobody wants to touch it.
Is there anything sweet left? - Nothing. Everyone was here before you.
Is there anything sweet left? - Nothing. Everyone was here before you.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Twelve words from one grid:
| -thing | -one/-body | -where | |
|---|---|---|---|
| some (+) | something | someone | somewhere |
| any (?/-) | anything | anyone | anywhere |
| no | nothing | no one | nowhere |
| every | everything | everyone | everywhere |
One negation only: I know nothing OR I don't know anything - never both. Offers use some: Would you like something to drink? Every-words take singular verbs: Everyone is here.
- Double negation: *I don't know nothing → don't know anything / know nothing
- *Everyone are → Everyone is
Common Error Patterns
Double negation with no-words
One negative per clause
Plural verb after every-words
everyone/everything + singular verb
Someone left something on the bus, and nobody wants to touch it.
Someone left something on the bus, and nobody wants to touch it.
someone/something/nobody: three grid cells, one negation.
Is there anything sweet left? - Nothing. Everyone was here before you.
Is there anything sweet left? - Nothing. Everyone was here before you.
anything in questions, nothing as the bare answer.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises