TSA CBT Practice Test

What is a characteristic of indefinite pronouns?

1. They refer to specific entities

2. They do not specify exact persons or things

3. They denote questions

4. They always require antecedents

The correct answer is: They do not specify exact persons or things

Indefinite pronouns are indeed characterized by their lack of specificity regarding the entities they refer to. These pronouns, such as "anyone," "everyone," "some," "none," and "all," do not point to particular individuals or objects; instead, they indicate an unspecified quantity or identity. This feature makes them useful in expressing generalizations or when the exact identity of the noun is unknown or irrelevant. The other options highlight qualities that do not align with the nature of indefinite pronouns. For example, while queries may use terms related to people or objects, indefinite pronouns themselves do not inherently denote questions. Additionally, the requirement of antecedents is not a defining characteristic of indefinite pronouns, as they often stand alone without needing a specific noun to refer back to. Furthermore, indefinite pronouns deliberately avoid specifying exact entities, as their primary function is to convey an idea of vagueness or generality.