Indefinite Pronouns

What Are Indefinite Pronouns?

Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things in a vague, non-specific way — 'someone', 'something', 'everyone', 'nothing', etc. In Italian they divide into two groups: invariable pronouns (they never change form) and variable pronouns (they agree in gender and/or number). Getting these right is essential for natural B1-level Italian.

Invariable Pronouns in Use

'Qualcuno' and 'qualcosa' are used in affirmative sentences and questions. 'Niente' and 'nulla' are used in negative sentences. When 'niente/nulla' comes AFTER the verb, you must add 'non' before the verb (double negative). When it comes BEFORE the verb, 'non' is omitted. 'Ognuno' always takes a singular verb. 'Qualcosa' is followed by 'di + adjective' (qualcosa di bello = something beautiful) and 'da + infinitive' (qualcosa da fare = something to do).

• C'è qualcuno alla porta. — There is someone at the door.
• Hai qualcosa da dirmi? — Do you have something to tell me?
• Non c'è niente da fare. — There is nothing to do.
• Nulla è impossibile. — Nothing is impossible. (nulla before verb → no 'non')
• Ognuno deve fare la propria parte. — Everyone must do their own part.
• Qualcosa di strano è successo. — Something strange happened.
• Non ho visto nessuno. — I didn't see anyone.

Variable Pronouns: Agreement Rules

Variable indefinite pronouns agree in gender and number with the noun they replace (or the people/things they refer to). Singular forms (nessuno, ciascuno, uno/una) always take a singular verb. Plural forms (alcuni, molti, pochi, troppi, tutti) take a plural verb. 'Tutti' and 'tutte' can mean 'everyone' (tutti = all men/people, tutte = all women) or 'everything' when referring to things. 'Nessuno/nessuna' has no plural form — use 'nessuno dei/delle + noun' for groups.

• Alcuni sono arrivati in ritardo. — Some (people, masc.) arrived late.
• Alcune non erano d'accordo. — Some (women) didn't agree.
• Molti pensano che sia difficile. — Many think it is difficult.
• Pochi hanno capito la lezione. — Few understood the lesson.
• Tutti devono presentarsi alle nove. — Everyone must show up at nine.
• Tutte le ragazze erano presenti. → Tutte erano presenti. — All (the girls) were present.
• Nessuno sa la risposta. — Nobody knows the answer.
• Ciascuno ha ricevuto un premio. — Each one received a prize.
• Troppi parlano, pochi agiscono. — Too many talk, few act.

Double Negatives: Nessuno and Niente

Italian uses a double negative structure when the negative word comes AFTER the verb. You must place 'non' before the verb AND use 'nessuno/niente/nulla' after it. This is grammatically correct in Italian — it is NOT the same as in English where double negatives cancel each other out. If the negative pronoun comes BEFORE the verb, 'non' is dropped. Correct: Non viene nessuno. (Nobody is coming.) Wrong: *Viene nessuno. (with verb first) Also correct: Nessuno viene. (Nobody is coming. — nessuno first, no 'non') Correct: Non ho detto niente. (I said nothing.) Also correct: Niente è cambiato. (Nothing has changed. — niente first)

Chiunque + Subjunctive

'Chiunque' means 'whoever' or 'anyone who'. When it introduces a subordinate clause, the verb in that clause must be in the SUBJUNCTIVE mood. This is because 'chiunque' implies uncertainty or generality — we don't know exactly who the person is. The main clause can be in any tense. Examples: Chiunque venga, sarà il benvenuto. — Whoever comes will be welcome. Chiunque abbia fatto questo deve scusarsi. — Whoever did this must apologise. Aiuto chiunque abbia bisogno. — I help whoever needs it.

Qualunque/Qualsiasi + Subjunctive

'Qualunque' and 'qualsiasi' (interchangeable) mean 'whatever' or 'whichever'. They can be used before a noun as adjectives OR alone as pronouns. When they introduce a subordinate clause expressing a hypothetical or general condition, the verb takes the SUBJUNCTIVE. As adjective: Prendo qualunque treno. — I'll take whatever train. With subjunctive: Qualunque cosa tu dica, non ti credo. — Whatever you say, I don't believe you. Qualsiasi cosa accada, sarò qui. — Whatever happens, I'll be here.

• Chiunque parli con lui rimane impressionato. — Whoever speaks with him is impressed.
• Chiunque tu sia, benvenuto! — Whoever you are, welcome!
• Qualunque cosa tu faccia, falla bene. — Whatever you do, do it well.
• Qualsiasi problema tu abbia, posso aiutarti. — Whatever problem you have, I can help you.
• Chiunque abbia vinto merita il premio. — Whoever won deserves the prize.
• Qualunque risposta tu dia sarà accettata. — Whatever answer you give will be accepted.