What is Indefinite Expression
The indefinite expression is an expression of an indefinite quantity
When we describe some Noun and the quantity is indefinite, we can use an indefinite quantity word.
something like some any most every all
Example of “some” and “any”
The word “some” is usually used in affirmative sentences. It can also be used in interrogative sentences when a positive answer is expected. The word “any” is mainly used in negative and interrogative sentences.
I'd been expecting some letters the whole morning, but there weren't any for me.
Example of “most”
When the word “some” is used as an adjective, it means most of them, followed by a plural noun.
Most people here are from China.
Example of “every”
The word “every” means “everyone”, it’s followed by a singular noun.
Every one likes the film.
Example of “all”
The word “all” can be followed by plural countable nouns and singular uncountable nouns.
-
All the cars parked in the parking lot. -
All the coffee is served on time.
Example of “both”,"either" and “neither”
The word “both” can be used as an adjective, pronoun and adverb,
The word “either” means one of the two, and the word “neither” means neither of two.
-
Both his eyes were severely burned. -
There are trees on either side of the street. -
Neither answer is correct.
Example of “many”,"much","a lot of[lots of]", “plenty of”
The word “many” modifies countable nouns, and the word “much” modifies uncountable nouns.
“a lot of[lots of]” and “plenty of” can both modify countable and uncountable nouns.
-
many books -
much water -
a lot of/lots of books/water
Example of “a few” and “few”
The word “a few” has a positive meaning and means “several”.
The word “few” has a negative meaning.
Both words are used with countable nouns.
-
A few books are put into the box. -
Few books are put into the box.
Example of “a little” and “little”
The word “a little” has a positive meaning.
The word “little” has a negative connotation.
Both words can be used with uncountable nouns.
-
There is a little water in the bottle. -
There is little water in the bottle.
Example of “none” and “no one”
“None” and “no one” have the same meaning. They are mainly used as pronouns and are translated as “not one, not at all”, but their usage is slightly different.
- “None” can be followed by “of”. When used as the subject, the following verb in the sentence can be singular or plural.
- “No one” cannot be followed by the phrase “of”. When used as the subject, the verb at the end of the sentence can only be singular.
-
No one knows the answer. -
None of us have(has) arrived.
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