Quantifiers - přednáška

-one, -body,-thing

There are no significant differences in meaning between indefinite pronouns ending in-one, and those ending in –body. However, somebody, anybody, nobody are used more frequently in informal contexts.

When used as subjects, these indefinite pronouns take a singular, not a plural verb. Somebody and someone normally only refer to one person:

Does anyone want a lift?

Is nobody interested?

However when pronouns are used to refer to these words, plural forms are commonly used:

If anybody knocks on the door, tell them I am out.

You have to tell them I am busy, if anyone calls.

Nobody resigned, did they?