Someone vs Somebody
What’s the difference between them?
Someone
Meaning:
Someone is a pronoun used to refer to an individual person, either known or unknown.
Examples:
1. Someone has to take responsibility for this mess.
2. Someone left the window open all night.
3. Someone is ringing the doorbell.
Somebody
Meaning:
Somebody is a pronoun used to refer to a single unspecified person.
Examples:
1. Somebody needs to make dinner tonight.
2. Somebody just knocked on the door.
3. Somebody always has my back.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Someone
1. Individual
2. Entity
3. Somebody
4. Soul
5. Personage
1. Nobody
2. Nothing
3. Opposite
4. Reverse
5. Absent
Somebody
1. Person
2. Individual
3. Soul
4. Being
5. Personage
1. Nobody
2. Nobody else
3. No one
4. Nothing
5. Absence
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Someone", "Somebody".
1. The word 'someone' is used as a pronoun to refer to an indefinite person.
2. 'Somebody' is a more formal version of 'someone.'
3. When referring to an individual, use 'someone' in informal settings, and 'somebody' in more formal contexts.
4. If you are unsure which word to use, 'somebody' is more likely to be correct.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'someone' should be used when you are referring to an unspecified person. For example, 'Someone is knocking at the door.'
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'somebody' should be used to refer to an unspecified person in more formal contexts.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The word 'someone' is pronounced with two syllables (su-muhn), while the word 'somebody' is pronounced with three syllables (suhm-buh-dee).
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make when using these words is using 'somebody' in a general way when they should be using 'someone'. For example, saying, 'Somebody left their jacket in the hallway' when they should be saying 'Someone left their jacket in the hallway'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I heard a noise in the kitchen; there might be _______ there.
2. _______ left their bag on the bus. I hope they find it.
3. If you need help, ask _______ at the information desk.
4. Shes not alone; _______ is always with her.
5. I cant believe _______ ate the last piece of cake!
6. _______ should be accountable for this mess.
1. Answer: somebody
Explanation: Both somebody and someone can be used interchangeably in most contexts, but here, somebody offers a slightly more informal nuance, suitable for expressing surprise or uncertainty.
2. Answer: Someone
Explanation: In this context, someone sounds slightly more formal and fits better when referring to a general unknown person in a public setting.
3. Answer: someone
Explanation: The sentence structure and the formal setting of an information desk makes someone a slightly better fit.
4. Answer: somebody
Explanation: The slightly informal nuance of somebody complements the personal nature of the sentence.
5. Answer: someone/somebody
Explanation: In this context, both someone and somebody are equally suitable and can be used interchangeably.
6. Answer: Somebody
Explanation: The slightly informal tone of expressing disappointment or annoyance makes somebody a more suitable choice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.