A1pronoun1K

Somebody

UK /["/ˈsʌmbədi/"]/US /["/ˈsʌmbədi/"]/

Definition

a person who is not known or mentioned by name

In simple words: a person, not known or specific

Examples

  • Somebody should have told me.
  • She thinks she's really somebody in that car.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written English. It's common in everyday conversation when the speaker does not know who they are referring to. Avoid in very formal contexts where specificity is required.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'some-body'—anybody could be this mysterious 'somebody'.

Collocations

  • somebody told me
  • somebody's name
  • somebody else

Synonyms

  • someone
  • some person
  • a person

Antonyms

  • nobody
  • no one

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'somebody's' (possessive form)
  • Using in place of 'someone' without context
  • Omitting it in sentences where clarity is needed