indefinite relative pronoun
C1Formal, Academic, Written
Definition
Meaning
A pronoun used to introduce a relative clause referring to a person, where the specific person is not defined by the main clause.
An indefinite relative pronoun introduces a subordinate clause that provides more information about an unspecified or generic person mentioned or implied in the main clause. It connects the clause to an indefinite antecedent like 'someone', 'anyone', or 'whoever'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Who" as an indefinite relative pronoun typically follows an indefinite antecedent (e.g., 'anyone who...'). It is used for people only. The pronoun's reference is determined by the indefinite noun it relates to, creating a defining relative clause that specifies which person from an indefinite group is being discussed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant syntactic differences. In very informal spoken English, some dialects may use 'that' for people, but standard formal usage maintains 'who' for persons.
Connotations
Equally formal and standard in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Indefinite NP] + who + [verb phrase][Indefinite NP] + who + [auxiliary] + [verb][Indefinite pronoun] + who + [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He who laughs last laughs longest.”
- “Who dares wins.”
- “He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in policies or descriptions: 'We seek candidates who are innovative.'
Academic
Common in defining characteristics: 'A researcher who challenges paradigms...'
Everyday
In general statements: 'I like people who are honest.'
Technical
In legal or formal definitions: 'Any person who breaches the contract...'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I know someone who speaks French.
- She is a person who helps me.
- Anyone who wants to join must sign up today.
- We need a teacher who has experience with children.
- The company rewards employees who demonstrate exceptional initiative.
- He is the sort of person who always sees the positive side.
- The legislation will affect all citizens who reside abroad for tax purposes.
- Critics have identified a demographic who remain largely disenfranchised by the policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'WHO' as asking a question about an unspecified person: 'WHO will come?' This connects to introducing info about 'someone WHO will come'.
Conceptual Metaphor
The pronoun acts as a linguistic 'hook' that catches and specifies an indefinite person from a general group.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'which' (который) for people; English requires 'who'.
- Remember word order: the relative clause follows the antecedent immediately in English, unlike Russian's more flexible syntax.
- Do not omit the pronoun in defining clauses as you might in Russian; 'The person lives here' is incorrect for 'The person who lives here'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'which' for people (e.g., 'Anyone which wants to come...').
- Incorrect case: using 'who' for an object where 'whom' is formally required (e.g., 'Someone who I saw' vs. formal 'Someone whom I saw').
- Placing the relative clause far from its antecedent.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'who' used as an indefinite relative pronoun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard relative pronoun (e.g., 'the woman who called') refers back to a specific, definite noun. An indefinite relative pronoun refers back to an indefinite pronoun or noun (e.g., 'anyone', 'someone'), specifying which person from a non-specific group.
No, in defining relative clauses with an indefinite antecedent, 'who' cannot be omitted. It is necessary for grammatical clarity (e.g., 'Someone who I trust' not 'Someone I trust' in formal writing).
In formal writing, 'whom' is used when the indefinite relative pronoun is the object of the verb or preposition (e.g., 'Someone to whom I wrote'). In everyday speech, 'who' is often used for both subject and object.
Other indefinite relative pronouns include 'whoever', 'whomever', 'whichever', and 'whatever'. 'Who' is the standard form used after indefinite pronouns like 'anyone', 'someone', 'no one'.