Partitive Indefinite Pronouns|

Good morning everyone

Today, we will be giving an exposition on the topic of Partitive Indefinite Pronouns, and the
use of assertive and nonassertive items.

Let's start by understanding what Partitive Indefinite Pronouns are. These pronouns are used
to refer to an unspecified or unknown quantity of something. In English, some common
examples include "some" and "any". These pronouns are used when we don't want to be
specific about the exact number or amount of something.

Now, let's move on to the concept of assertive and nonassertive items.

Assertive items include some - someone - somebody - something. And they are used in
positive declarative sentences. When we want to make a positive statement or affirm
something. For instance, if I say, "I have some money," I am using the assertive item "some" to
confirm that I do possess a certain amount of money.

_Assertive pronouns are used with:

A- With the positive sentences and with the verb in the singular:

On the other hand, we have nonassertive items, which are any - anyone - anybody -anything -
either. Those are used in negative and interrogative sentences. When we want to deny or
negate something. For example, saying "I don't have any money" uses the nonassertive item
"any" to indicate the absence of money.

_Non-assertive pronouns are used with:

A- In negative sentences:

B- In interrogative sentences

it's important to note that the choice between assertive and nonassertive items can depend
on the context and the meaning we want to convey.

Exceptions:
Keep in mind that it is possible to use assertive forms in nonassertive "territory". Either
because we are offering or suggesting something:

"Do you want some tea?" ✅ -

"Do you want any tea?" ❌ (Impolite)

Non-assertive words in Conditionals: -

"If you want anything, call me."

"If you found anything, please tell me."

Here we have other examples of the use of assertive and nonassertive items:

"I would like some cake" (This sentence indicates that I want an unspecified quantity of

cake).

"Do you have any homework today?" (Here, "any" is to ask if there is an unspecified

amount of homework).

"I don't have any milk left" (In this sentence, "any" denies or negates the presence of milk).

"He has some oranges in his basket" (The use of "some" affirms the existence of an

unidentified quantity of oranges"

'Some' and 'any' can be used in different ways:

As pronouns: When used as pronouns, 'some' and 'any' refer to a specific noun phrase

in the context. For example, "There are nuts here; please have some".

As determiners: 'Some' and 'any' can also be used as determiners before a noun. For

example, "I would love some nuts and some wine, please".

With personal references: 'Some' and 'any' can be used with personal references. For

example, "I invited some teachers but I didn't invite any students to the party."

With nonpersonal references: 'Some' and 'any' can also be used with nonpersonal

references. For example, "There are some books on the shelf".

With count references: 'Some' and 'any' can be used with countable nouns. For example,
"Do you have any pens?"

With noncount references: 'Some' and 'any' can also be used with noncountable nouns. For
example, "I don't have any time.
 The uses of assertive and non-assertive

PERSON THING

ASSERTIVE

Somebody Something

Someone

SOME

NONASSERTIVE

Anybody Anything With plural verb

Anyone

ANY

PERSON (UNKNOWN)
Somebody / Someone:

We use these pronouns when we want to refer to an unspecified person. For example:

- Someone is knocking at the door.

- Is there somebody who can help us?

Anyone/Anybody:

We use these pronouns when we want to refer to any person, regardless of who it is. For
example:

- Is anybody here?

- Does anyone know the answer to this question?

 THING (UNKNOWN)
Something:

We use this pronoun when we want to refer to an unspecified thing or object. For example:

- I forgot to bring something for lunch.

- Did you see something strange in the sky?

Anything:

We use this pronoun when we want to refer to any thing or object, without specifying what it
is. For example:

- You can choose anything from the menu.

- Can I help you with anything?

SOME/ANY

Some:
We use this pronoun when we want to refer to an unspecified amount or number of people or
things. For example:

- Can you pass me some papers?

- There are some books on the shelf.

Any:
We use this pronoun when we want to refer to an unlimited number or amount of people or
things. For example:

- You can choose any book from the library.

- Any of these colors would look good on you.

We use the some and any with plural countable nouns and uncountable:

COUNTABLE:

“Some of the students are still working on their exams”

“Are there any books you would like to borrow from the library?”

UNCOUNTABLE:

“Some advice an be helpful in challenging situations.”

“I don't have any suggestions for reducing the amount of work.”

" The nonassertive form 'either': is used to express a negative statement or choice. It
corresponds to the negative form of 'neither'. Here is an example to illustrate its usage:

"The police did not arrest either suspect." (In this sentence, the nonassertive form of 'either' is
used to indicate that neither of the suspects was arrested by the police. It emphasizes the
negative outcome or lack of action in this case.

It is important to note that the nonassertive form of 'either' is used in negative contexts or to
present alternatives. It helps convey the idea of exclusion or negation.

In conclusion, Partitive Indefinite Pronouns allow us to refer to an unspecified quantity of

something, and the use of assertive and nonassertive items helps us express positive or
negative statements. Whether we choose to assert something or deny it depends on the
specific meaning we want to convey.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.