Words / A1

SUMB-uh-dee/ˈsʌmbədi/

A person you do not name: Somebody is at the door. Someone is the same idea. Anybody is more typical in questions and negatives. Use a singular verb: somebody is, not are.

Meaning

A person, when you do not say who.

Examples

• “Somebody is at the door.”
• “Somebody left a bag on the seat.”
• “Can somebody help me with this?”

Good to know

somebody + singular verb. Twin: someone. Questions often: anybody.

Near in meaning

someone

New