9.8.3

Someone, Something

Test yourself

'Algo' and 'Alguien'

These are two pronouns that do not change form. They stay the same regardless of the quantity or gender of other words around them.

Illustrative background for 'Algo' - something, anything (in questions).Illustrative background for 'Algo' - something, anything (in questions). ?? "content

'Algo' - something, anything (in questions).

  • When 'algo' is used in a normal sentence, it means something.
    • Tengo algo para ti.
      • I have something for you.
    • In a question the meaning changes slightly to anything.
    • ¿Quieres algo de postre?.
      • Do you want anything for pudding?
Illustrative background for 'Alguien' - somebody, anyoneIllustrative background for 'Alguien' - somebody, anyone ?? "content

'Alguien' - somebody, anyone

  • Alguien is used to talk about an unspecific person, like you would use somebody or anyone in English.
    • ¿Hay alguien que pueda ayudarme?
      • Is there anyone that can help me?
    • Creo que alguien ha robado mi identidad.
      • I think that somebody has stolen my identity.

'Alguno' and 'Cualquiera'

'Alguno' and 'Cualquiera' both change with the word they are speaking about or matching with. They are both used to talk about an unspecific person, animal or object.

Illustrative background for Alguno, a, os, as Illustrative background for Alguno, a, os, as  ?? "content

Alguno, a, os, as

  • 'Alguno, a, os, as' has different meanings depending on the sentence.
  • It matches the word it is matched with, whether that word is masculine or feminine, and if there are more than one of the object.
    • Algún día, quiero ir a Bali (algún is used before a single masculine noun).
      • One day I want to go to Bali.
    • Si hay alguna posibilidad.
      • If the is any possibility.
    • Voy al cine con algunos de mis amigos (followed by 'de' it means some).
      • I am going to the cinema with some of my friends.
Illustrative background for Cualquiera, cualquier - anyone, any, whateverIllustrative background for Cualquiera, cualquier - anyone, any, whatever ?? "content

Cualquiera, cualquier - anyone, any, whatever

  • 'Cualquiera' is used to mean 'anyone', when you are talking about an unknown person or an unspecific person,
    • En el futuro, cualquiera tendrá acceso a Internet.
      • In the future anyone will have access to the Internet.
  • 'Cualquier' is used with a single masculine word, it means 'any'.
    • En cualquier caso.
      • In any case.
  • Finally 'cualquiera' can also be used with 'que' to mean whatever, but it always takes the subjunctive>
    • Cualquiera que sea la causa.
      • Whatever the cause.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Current & Future Study & Employment

3Identity & Culture

3.1Me, My Family & Friends

3.2Me, My Family & Friends - Translations

3.3Technology in Everyday Life

3.4Technology in Everyday Life - Translations

3.5Free Time Activities

3.6Free Time Activities - Translations

3.7Customs & Festivals in Spanish Speaking Countries

3.8Customs & Festivals - Translations

4Areas of Interest

4.1Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region

4.2Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region - Translations

4.3Social Issues

4.4Social Issues - Translations

4.5Global Issues

4.6Global Issues - Translations

4.7Travel & Tourism

4.8Travel & Tourism - Translations

5Listening Practice

6Common Tenses

7Important Verbs

8Advanced Tenses

9Extra Grammar

9.1Articles

9.2Negatives

9.3Nouns

9.4Asking Questions

9.5Adjectives

9.6Adverbs

9.7Conjunctions

9.8Pronouns

9.9By, With, From, Of

9.10Verbs

9.11Comparisons

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