This article presents the main rules and a few examples concerning the use of demonstrative and indefinite adjectives and pronouns.
| Demonstrative pronouns | Rule | Examples |
| This, these
(Questo/a, questi/e)
|
This, these
to indicate what is near to the speaker
|
– I love this T-shirt.
– We have these dvds
|
| that, those
(Quello/a, quei/quelle)
|
that, those
to indicate what is far from the speaker
|
– Do you like that flower?
– Those trousers are green.
|
| One, ones
|
One, ones
One is used to indicate a singular noun Ones is used to indicate a plural noun
|
– I’ve brought a present for everyone.
– Which ones are your copybooks? |
| Indefinite pronouns | Rule | Examples |
| SIMPLE
Some, any (alcuno/i, qualche)
|
Indefinite pronouns can be simple or compound
Some is used in affirmative sentences. Any is used in negative and interrogative sentences.
|
– I’d like some sugar, please.
– Have you got any milk in the fridge?
|
| COMPOUND
Someone, somebody, anybody, nobody, no one, everyone, something, anything, everything, nothing
|
No one, Nobody, nothing are used in affirmative sentences. |
– I knocked on the door but nothing happened. – Nobody knows when he will come. |