Indefinite Pronouns in French: A Guide with Examples

Indefinite pronouns in French are words that refer to non-specific people, things, or quantities. They are essential for expressing generalities and ambiguity in sentences. Just like in English, these pronouns allow us to talk about “someone,” “something,” “nobody,” or “everything.”

1. Common Indefinite Pronouns in French

Here is a list of common French indefinite pronouns with their English translations:

2. Categories of Indefinite Pronouns

A. Indefinite Pronouns for People

These pronouns refer to non-specific individuals.

• Quelqu’un (someone, somebody)
  Example:
  • Quelqu’un a frappé à la porte.
    (Someone knocked on the door.)
• Personne (nobody, no one)
  Example:
  • Personne ne sait la réponse.
    (Nobody knows the answer.)

B. Indefinite Pronouns for Things

These pronouns refer to unspecified objects or ideas.

• Quelque chose (something)
  Example:
  • J’ai vu quelque chose d’intéressant.
    (I saw something interesting.)
• Rien (nothing)
  Example:
  • Je n’ai rien compris.
    (I understood nothing.)

C. Indefinite Pronouns for Quantities

These pronouns refer to non-specific amounts.

• Tout (everything)
  Example:
  • Tout est prêt pour la fête.
    (Everything is ready for the party.)
• Aucun / Aucune (none, not one)
  Example:
  • Aucune de ces options ne me convient.
    (None of these options suit me.)
• Certains / Certaines (some, certain ones)
  Example:
  • Certains préfèrent le thé, d’autres préfèrent le café.
    (Some prefer tea, others prefer coffee.)

D. Indefinite Pronouns for Selection

These pronouns emphasize individual elements.

• Chacun / Chacune (each one)
  Example:
  • Chacun doit apporter son déjeuner.
    (Each one must bring their lunch.)
• Autre(s) (other(s))
  Example:
  • Il y a d’autres possibilités.
    (There are other possibilities.)

3. Usage Rules

A. Agreement with Gender and Number

Some indefinite pronouns (like aucun/aucune and chacun/chacune) must agree with the gender of the noun they refer to.

Example:

• Aucun livre n’est sur la table. (No book is on the table.)
• Aucune chaise n’est disponible. (No chair is available.)

B. Double Negation

When using rien or personne in negative sentences, French requires a double negation.

Examples:

• Je n’ai rien fait. (I did nothing.)
• Personne n’est venu. (Nobody came.)

C. Placement in Sentences

Some indefinite pronouns, such as rien and personne, change position depending on the sentence structure.

Examples:

• Rien n’est impossible. (Nothing is impossible.)
• Personne ne peut m’aider. (No one can help me.)

4. Practice Sentences

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct indefinite pronoun:
   • Il y a ___ à la porte. (someone)
   • Je ne vois ___. (nothing)
   • ___ peut m’aider ? (Anyone?)
   • ___ de ces livres est en français. (None)
2. Translate into French:
   • Everything is fine.
   • Nobody knows the answer.
   • Something interesting happened.
   • Some prefer coffee, others prefer tea.

5. Summary

Indefinite pronouns in French allow you to talk about unspecified people, things, or quantities. Whether referring to “someone,” “nothing,” or “everything,” mastering these pronouns will help you communicate more naturally and express generalities with ease.

You can take the multiple-choice quiz.

French indefinite pronouns are used to refer to unspecified or not precisely defined people or things in a sentence, helping convey information more precisely. Choose the correct indefinite pronouns for the following sentences in this exercise.