23 there, it, and indefinite pronouns

There and it

1 we can start a sentence with There or It + be

There’s a flight at eleven. Is that a good time?

It was nice to see Ben looking happier.

Note that, as in some examples below, we can puy a modal verb ( or seems, appears, happens) before
be.

There + (adjective) + noun ( all tenses) introduces something, or says that it ‘exists’ :

There’s a good film on TV tonight. It’s a good film on TV … A good film is on TV…

There seems to be a problem with this CD.

We often use it with words like some(thing), any, nothing, much, more, many, enough, a lot of:

There weren’t enough eggs for an omelette.

There could be some delays on the roads today.

We use It + adjective or (adjective)+ nuon for time, weather,distance, general situation:

It’s a hundred miles at least to Bristol.

It was nice in Italy this summer, wasn’t it?

and with infinitive ,-ing and that-clauses:

It would be good to see Harry again.

It’s funny looking at old photos of yourself.

It’s a pity (that) you didn’t bring your camera.

A number of negative expressions use there or it:

There’s no sense/point in waiting.

There’s no need to worry about me.

It’s no good/no use/no worth hurrying.

It’s waste of time arguing with him.

Note that we often begin a sentence with There and use it afterwards:

There’s a play I’d like to see. It’s about a doctor, and it’s set in Poland.

2 This, these, that, those

This milk smells bad. When did you buy it?

Do you remember those holidays we spent in Cornwall when we were kids?

3 All, most, some, no/none

We can use these words to talk generally;

All children need exercise.

Most restaurant have vegetarian menus.

Some hotel have gyms.

but we normally use them to talk about things in a specific group/place:

All(of) the sandwiches in the shop were made ….. and most of the food is home-cooked – but some …..
the cakes contain nuts.

None of our chesses are availble anywhere elese.

Note that no is used specifically;

There are no eggs left.

and occasionally generally:

No teacher is always right.

and that none can be used on its own:

There are none left.

Note also how we use all with pronoun:

Tim ate all of them/them all.

Other uses of all:

meaning ‘everything/the only thing’:

She gave me all (that) I needed

All I want is a rest!

as a mid-position adverb:

They’re all talented actors.

in expression: all afternoon, all right/alright, above all, after all, at all:

I’m not at happy with the service in this restaurant.

I can’t find that book on Italy.

Grammar in action

1 We use There + be to introduce information, or to ……. That something exists. We might talk about our
town.

There’s a new restaurant on Clyde Street. – Really?

There are six already, aren’t there?

2 We use It + adjective/noun to talk about time, weather, distance, and a trip:

It’s lovely in Scotland at this time of year,but it’s …… a long way to drive.

3 We use all,most, some, and no/none to talk about the things in a particular place or group. We
might…. about a language school:

Some of our staff are part-time, but all of them are experienced teachers.

There, it, and indefinite pronouns

Words beginning with some- an any- are used in the same way as some and any:

some = positive sentences; question expecting the answer ‘yes’

any = negative sentences,’open questions’ and the idea ‘ it doesn’t matter which’:

Let’s have something unusual* for dinner.

Would you like someone to go with you?

I can’t see anyone here. Are we early?

Have you been anywhere interesting*?

Anybody could beat you at tennis.

*Note in these examples how we can use an adjective after these word. Note also below how
they take a singular verb – but normally a plural pronoun afterwards:
Everyone is ready, aren’t they?
No one likes being criticized,do they?
If anybody rings, tell them I’m out!

5 Each and every are similar in meaning:

Each/Every time I hear that song, I think about our holiday in Greece.
but each (= two or more) emphasizes individual things, where every (= three or more) makes us think of
the group:

Every café in the street was busy, and each one sold a different type of local food.

 We use each of; each on its own; each as a mid-position adverb, and for prices:
She gave each every of us a small gift.
Look at those houses! Each Every is a different colour.
The children have each got their own bedroom
The teddy bears cost f20 each.
 We also use every + one of; and in expressions(often with time):
There’s only one prize but every one of you is a…..
I visit them every two weeks.(= every fortnight)
It’s rained every single day here!
6 We use both(… and), either(… or) and neither(… nor) to link two ideas, either as ‘pairs’:
Both Chris and Barry play rugby every week.
We can either stay in, or go out for a walk.
Neither Joy nor Sally enjoy(s) shopping.
Or, more often, on their own:
Both of us like jazz.
Both ( of the) films were awful.
We both prefer quieter holidays.
Coffee or tea?- neither, thanks.
I don’t like either of these (paintings).
Do/Does either of you want to come to the shop?
GRAMMAR IN ACTION
4 We use something, anybody, nowhere,etc. all the time in everday conversation.
Here we’re talking about a family celebration:
Have you forgotten to invite anyone?-
Relax. Everything is ready for the big day.
5 We use each to emphasize individual things, and every to talk about groups and regular
events. We might talk about a concert:
Every time she sings, she turns each song into a different story!
6 We use both…and, either…or, and neither…nor compare people and experiences. Here we’re
talking about work:
We both enjoy living in the country, but neither of ….. likes commuting every day.