Words / A2

SUMW-un/ˈsʌmwʌn/

Someone means some person, not named: someone is at the door, someone left a bag, talk to someone. Somebody is the same in meaning; someone is a little more common in careful writing. Anyone is for questions and negatives: is anyone there? Do not use someone with a plural verb — someone is, not “someone are.”

Meaning

Some person; a person who is not named.

Examples

• “Someone left a bag on the bus.”
• “Someone has taken my umbrella.”
• “I need someone to help me with this box.”

Good to know

someone + singular verb. Close: somebody. Questions/negatives: anyone / anybody.

Near in meaning

somebody

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