A2 Pronouns 15 min read Easy

Someone & Something in French (Quelqu'un, Quelque chose)

Use 'quelqu'un' for people, 'quelque chose' for things, and always add 'de' before any describing adjective.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'quelqu'un' for people and 'quelque chose' for things when you don't know exactly who or what you are talking about.

  • Use 'quelqu'un' for an unknown person: 'Je vois quelqu'un' (I see someone).
  • Use 'quelque chose' for an unknown object: 'Il veut quelque chose' (He wants something).
  • These pronouns are always masculine singular, even if the person is female.
Quelqu'un (Person) / Quelque chose (Thing)

Overview

French indefinite pronouns quelqu'un and quelque chose serve to refer to an unspecified person or thing, respectively. These pronouns are fundamental for expressing indefiniteness in French, allowing you to speak about entities whose identity or nature is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally withheld. While quelqu'un translates directly to "someone" or "anybody," and quelque chose to "something" or "anything," their usage is governed by specific grammatical rules essential for sounding natural and precise in French.

Mastering these terms at the A2 level signifies a progression from merely identifying concrete nouns to navigating more abstract concepts of existence and indefiniteness.

These pronouns are invaluable linguistic tools, enabling communication without requiring precise identification. For instance, instead of saying, "A person whose name I don't know just called," you can efficiently state, Quelqu'un a appelé. Similarly, when you cannot or choose not to specify an object, quelque chose allows for concise expression. Il y a quelque chose sur la table. (There is something on the table.) Understanding their structure and context will significantly enhance your ability to communicate nuanced ideas in French.

How This Grammar Works

Quelqu'un and quelque chose function as indefinite pronouns. This means they replace a noun that is not specific or is unknown. A key characteristic of these pronouns in French is their grammatical gender and number: they are always treated as masculine singular.
This aspect is particularly noteworthy for quelque chose because the noun chose (thing) is inherently feminine in French (une chose). However, when chose is part of the indefinite pronoun quelque chose, the entire construction, particularly any subsequent adjectives, defaults to masculine singular.
The most distinctive feature of these pronouns is their interaction with adjectives. When an adjective modifies quelqu'un or quelque chose, it must be preceded by the preposition de (or d' before a vowel or mute h). This de acts as a linking element, forming a prepositional phrase that qualifies the indefinite pronoun.
This grammatical structure is not arbitrary; it parallels other French constructions where de introduces a descriptive complement, similar to adverbs of quantity (beaucoup de, peu de) or certain adjective phrases (quelque chose à faire). The adjective itself always remains in the masculine singular form, regardless of the perceived gender or number of the unspecified person or thing.
Consider the linguistic principle behind this: quelqu'un and quelque chose are closed, unitary concepts of indefiniteness. The adjective then describes an inherent quality of that indefinite concept. The de signifies this relationship of belonging or characteristic, preventing the adjective from directly modifying quelqu'un or quelque chose as it would a regular noun.
For example, quelqu'un de gentil (someone kind) literally implies "someone of kindness" or "someone possessing a kind quality." This construction highlights the quality as an attribute of the indefinite entity.
Here's an illustration of this principle:
| Pattern | Example French | Example English | Notes |
| :-------------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :----------------------- | :---------------------------------------- |
| Quelqu'un + de + Adjective | Je connais quelqu'un de très intelligent. | I know someone very intelligent. | Adjective intelligent is masculine singular. |
| Quelque chose + de + Adjective | Il cherche quelque chose d'important. | He's looking for something important. | Adjective important is masculine singular. Use d' before vowel-starting adjectives. |
This consistent masculine singular agreement for adjectives with quelqu'un and quelque chose is a fundamental rule that distinguishes these pronouns. Ignoring it is a common error for learners. The de is mandatory when an adjective is directly associated with these pronouns, providing grammatical cohesion to the phrase.
Quelqu'un est arrivé. (Someone arrived.) J'ai trouvé quelque chose. (I found something.)

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of quelqu'un and quelque chose is straightforward, but their subsequent modification requires attention to the de + adjective structure and invariable agreement. Both are compound words: quelque (some) combined with un (one) for a person, and chose (thing) for an object.
2
1. Basic Forms:
3
For people: Use quelqu'un.
4
Example: Quelqu'un a frappé à la porte. (Someone knocked on the door.)
5
For things: Use quelque chose.
6
Example: J'ai quelque chose à te dire. (I have something to tell you.)
7
2. Adjective Modification (Crucial Rule):
8
When an adjective is used to describe quelqu'un or quelque chose, it must follow the pattern pronoun + de + adjective (masculine singular).
9
For quelqu'un:
10
quelqu'un + de + Adjective (masculine singular)
11
Example: Elle attend quelqu'un de spécial. (She's waiting for someone special.)
12
Example: Nous avons rencontré quelqu'un de vraiment charmant. (We met someone truly charming.)
13
For quelque chose:
14
quelque chose + de + Adjective (masculine singular)
15
Example: Il y a quelque chose de bizarre dans cette histoire. (There's something weird in this story.)
16
Example: Je voudrais quelque chose de plus grand. (I would like something bigger.)
17
Elision with d': If the adjective begins with a vowel or a mute h, de elides to d'.
18
Example: C'est quelque chose d'incroyable ! (It's something incredible!)
19
Example: J'ai besoin de quelqu'un d'honnête. (I need someone honest.)
20
3. Placement in Sentences:
21
Quelqu'un and quelque chose can occupy various syntactic roles:
22
Subject: Quelqu'un m'a appelé. (Someone called me.) Quelque chose est tombé. (Something fell.)
23
Direct Object: Je cherche quelqu'un. (I'm looking for someone.) Tu as vu quelque chose ? (Did you see something?)
24
Object of a Preposition: Il parle de quelqu'un. (He's talking about someone.) Pense à quelque chose. (Think about something.)
25
Summary of Adjective Pattern:
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| Pronoun | Linker | Adjective Form | Example |
27
| :-------------- | :----- | :-------------------- | :---------------------------- |
28
| quelqu'un | de | Masculine Singular | quelqu'un de gentil |
29
| quelqu'un | d' | Masculine Singular | quelqu'un d'important |
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| quelque chose | de | Masculine Singular | quelque chose de nouveau |
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| quelque chose | d' | Masculine Singular | quelque chose d'intéressant |
32
This structure is invariable and critical for correct usage. Always remember the de and the masculine singular form for the adjective.

When To Use It

These indefinite pronouns are indispensable when you need to refer to an individual or an item without specifying exactly who or what it is. Their utility extends across various communicative contexts, from expressing genuine lack of knowledge to deliberately maintaining vagueness.
1. Expressing an Unknown Identity or Nature:
The primary use is when the specific person or thing is genuinely unknown to the speaker, or to everyone involved.
  • Quelqu'un a laissé son parapluie ici. (Someone left their umbrella here.) – The speaker doesn't know who.
  • J'ai entendu quelque chose dans le jardin. (I heard something in the garden.) – The specific sound or object is unknown.
2. General Reference without Specification:
You use quelqu'un or quelque chose when the specific identity or nature is irrelevant to the message, or when you choose not to disclose it.
  • Si quelqu'un a des questions, qu'il les pose. (If anyone has questions, let them ask.) – It doesn't matter who, just if there's a person.
  • Je dois trouver quelque chose pour le dîner. (I need to find something for dinner.) – The exact meal isn't specified, just the need for food.
3. In Questions:
They are frequently used in interrogative sentences, especially when inquiring about the existence of an unspecified person or thing.
  • Est-ce que quelqu'un est là ? (Is anyone there?)
  • Tu as besoin de quelque chose ? (Do you need anything?)
4. After Certain Verbs or Expressions:
These pronouns often appear after verbs that imply seeking, encountering, or needing.
  • Nous cherchons quelqu'un pour nous aider. (We are looking for someone to help us.)
  • Il attendait quelque chose de spécial pour son anniversaire. (He was expecting something special for his birthday.)
5. Distinguishing from Other Indefinite Expressions:
  • Quelqu'un vs. Certains/Certaines: Quelqu'un is strictly singular and refers to one unspecified person. Certains (some/certain ones, plural) refers to an unspecified group within a larger, often implied, set.
  • Quelqu'un a voté pour cette loi. (Someone voted for this law.)
  • Certains ont voté pour, d'autres contre. (Some voted for, others against.)
  • Quelque chose vs. Quelques trucs/des choses: Quelque chose is singular and indefinite. Quelques trucs or des choses are plural and suggest a few specific, albeit unnamed, items.
  • Il y a quelque chose qui ne va pas. (There's something wrong.)
  • J'ai quelques trucs à faire. (I have a few things to do.)
Using these pronouns correctly demonstrates an understanding of French specificity and indefiniteness, crucial for nuanced expression at the A2 level and beyond. Their application in daily conversations is constant, making their accurate deployment a hallmark of a proficient speaker.

Common Mistakes

French learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when using quelqu'un and quelque chose. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their grammatical roots is key to achieving accuracy.
1. Forgetting the de Before an Adjective:
This is arguably the most prevalent mistake. Learners often omit de when an adjective modifies quelqu'un or quelque chose, directly translating from English structures.
  • Incorrect: Je veux quelque chose nouveau. (I want something new.)
  • Correct: Je veux quelque chose de nouveau.
  • Why it's wrong: As explained earlier, de is a mandatory linking preposition. Without it, the adjective attempts to directly modify the pronoun, which is grammatically incorrect in French for these indefinite pronouns. This de acts as a partitive particle, establishing a quality of the indefinite item rather than a direct adjectival modification.
2. Incorrect Adjective Agreement:
Despite quelqu'un and quelque chose being masculine singular, learners often make the following agreement errors:
  • Making the adjective feminine for quelque chose: Because chose is a feminine noun, there's a natural tendency to make the adjective feminine.
  • Incorrect: C'est quelque chose de belle. (It's something beautiful.)
  • Correct: C'est quelque chose de beau. (Adjective beau is masculine singular.)
  • Making the adjective plural for quelqu'un: If a group of unspecified people is implied, learners might try to pluralize the adjective.
  • Incorrect: J'ai vu quelqu'un de grands. (I saw someone tall, plural adjective.)
  • Correct: J'ai vu quelqu'un de grand. (Adjective grand is masculine singular.)
  • Why it's wrong: The rule is absolute: the adjective modifying quelqu'un or quelque chose (after de) always remains masculine singular. The indefinite pronoun functions as a singular, abstract concept that does not carry the gender of chose itself, nor does it allow for plural agreement of its descriptive adjective.
3. Confusing quelqu'un with quelques-uns/unes:
These terms look similar but have distinct meanings and grammatical functions.
  • Quelqu'un: An indefinite singular person (someone, anybody).
  • Quelques-uns/unes: Some (plural), referring to a few individuals or items from a previously mentioned group.
  • Incorrect: Quelqu'uns sont venus à la fête. (Meaning: Some people came.)
  • Correct: Quelqu'un est venu à la fête. (Someone came.) OR Quelques-uns sont venus à la fête. (Some of them came, implies a known group.)
  • Why it's wrong: Quelqu'un is inherently singular and refers to an entirely undefined individual. Quelques-uns/unes implies a subset of an already established plural group. Using them interchangeably is a fundamental error in number and reference.
4. Incorrect Verb Agreement with quelqu'un:
Since quelqu'un is singular, the verb must also be in the singular form, even if the context might imply multiple people.
  • Incorrect: Quelqu'un sont partis. (Someone left, plural verb.)
  • Correct: Quelqu'un est parti. (Someone left, singular verb.)
  • Why it's wrong: The subject-verb agreement rule dictates that a singular subject (quelqu'un) demands a singular verb. The linguistic structure of quelqu'un is singular, overriding any contextual implication of plurality.
By consciously reviewing these points, learners can systematically correct common errors and solidify their understanding of quelqu'un and quelque chose.

Real Conversations

To truly master quelqu'un and quelque chose, it's vital to see them in authentic, modern French communication. These pronouns are not confined to formal texts; they permeate casual speech, social media, and professional exchanges.

1. Casual Conversation & Texting:

In everyday interactions, quelqu'un and quelque chose are used for quick, unspecific references.

- Text message: Salut ! Quelqu'un sait si le cours est annulé aujourd'hui ? (Hi! Does anyone know if the class is cancelled today?)

- Verbal: J'ai entendu quelque chose d'intéressant à la radio ce matin. (I heard something interesting on the radio this morning.)

- Social media comment: Si quelqu'un a des places pour le concert, DM-moi ! (If anyone has tickets for the concert, DM me!)

2. Professional & Slightly More Formal Contexts:

Even in professional settings, when precise identification isn't necessary or possible, these pronouns are standard.

- Work email: Quelqu'un doit valider le rapport avant la fin de la journée. (Someone needs to approve the report before the end of the day.)

- Meeting: Il nous faut trouver quelque chose de plus efficace pour résoudre ce problème. (We need to find something more efficient to solve this problem.)

- Customer service: Est-ce que quelqu'un peut m'aider avec ma commande, s'il vous plaît ? (Can someone help me with my order, please?)

3. Expressing Feelings or Desires:

These pronouns are often used to convey a need or a feeling towards an unspecified person or item.

- J'ai envie de quelque chose de sucré. (I feel like something sweet.)

- Elle aimerait rencontrer quelqu'un de gentil et d'honnête. (She would like to meet someone kind and honest.)

- Je cherche désespérément quelque chose pour me distraire. (I'm desperately looking for something to distract myself.)

4. In Negative or Interrogative Sentences (for Contrast/Politeness):

While typically associated with positive statements, they can appear in questions or conditional negatives to politely inquire about the existence of an unspecified person or thing.

- Tu n'as rien vu ou tu as vu quelque chose ? (Did you see nothing or did you see something?) – contrasting with rien.

- Si quelqu'un n'est pas d'accord, qu'il le dise maintenant. (If anyone disagrees, let them say so now.) – conditional negative.

Observing these pronouns in a variety of real-world scenarios highlights their flexibility and commonality. They are not merely grammatical constructs but essential elements of fluent, natural French communication, reflecting situations where certainty or specificity is either absent or unnecessary.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about quelqu'un and quelque chose, clarifying common points of confusion.
  • Q: Can I use quelqu'une for a woman?
  • A: While quelqu'une technically exists, its usage is extremely rare in modern French, particularly in spoken language. It is generally restricted to very formal or literary contexts, and even then, it typically refers back to a specific, previously mentioned feminine noun, often in contrast to quelques-uns. In virtually all common situations, quelqu'un is the correct and universally accepted form, regardless of the gender of the person being referred to. Always default to quelqu'un.
  • Q: Is the de before the adjective always mandatory?
  • A: Yes, absolutely. When an adjective directly modifies quelqu'un or quelque chose, the preposition de (or d') is grammatically obligatory. This is a fundamental rule that allows the adjective phrase to correctly describe the indefinite pronoun. Omitting de results in ungrammatical French. There are no exceptions for direct adjectival modification.
  • Q: How do I say "something else" or "someone else"?
  • A: You maintain the same de + adjective structure. For "else," the French word is autre. Thus:
  • "Something else": quelque chose d'autre (Note the d' before autre as it starts with a vowel).
  • "Someone else": quelqu'un d'autre.
  • Example: J'ai besoin de quelque chose d'autre. (I need something else.)
  • Example: Elle attend quelqu'un d'autre. (She is waiting for someone else.)
  • Q: Is quelqu'un or quelque chose informal?
  • A: No, these pronouns are standard and neutral in terms of formality. They are used across all registers of French, from highly formal academic writing to very casual conversations. Their use is dictated by the need to express indefiniteness, not by a level of formality. They are essential components of the language.
  • Q: Do I need to make a liaison with quelqu'un or quelque chose?
  • A: Yes, regular liaison rules apply. For example, if quelqu'un is followed by a verb starting with a vowel, you would typically make a liaison.
  • Quelqu'un est arrivé. (Pronounced as if "quelqu'un-nest arrivé.")
  • However, with quelque chose, the final e is generally silent and does not trigger liaison unless followed by de or a specific structure that necessitates it. The s in chose is never pronounced at the end. The liaison rule is more prominent with quelqu'un as the n can link to a following vowel sound. Always listen to native speakers and practice for natural flow.
  • Q: How do quelqu'un and quelque chose relate to negative expressions like personne and rien?
  • A: Quelqu'un and quelque chose are the positive indefinite pronouns. Their direct negative counterparts are personne (nobody/no one) and rien (nothing). Just like their positive forms, personne and rien also follow the de + adjective rule when an adjective modifies them.
  • J'ai vu quelqu'un de beau. (I saw someone beautiful.)
  • Je n'ai vu personne de beau. (I saw no one beautiful.)
  • Il y a quelque chose d'intéressant. (There is something interesting.)
  • Il n'y a rien d'intéressant. (There is nothing interesting.)
This parallel structure underscores a consistent grammatical pattern for indefinite entities in French, whether positive or negative.

Indefinite Pronoun Forms

Affirmative Negative Meaning
Quelqu'un
Personne
Someone / No one
Quelque chose
Rien
Something / Nothing

Meanings

These are indefinite pronouns used to refer to people or objects without specifying their identity.

1

Unknown person

Referring to an unspecified human being.

“Quelqu'un m'a appelé.”

“Je cherche quelqu'un.”

2

Unknown object

Referring to an unspecified thing or concept.

“Je veux manger quelque chose.”

“Il a dit quelque chose.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Someone & Something in French (Quelqu'un, Quelque chose)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Quelqu'un + Verb
Quelqu'un chante.
Negative
Ne + Verb + Personne
Je ne vois personne.
Question
Est-ce que quelqu'un...?
Est-ce que quelqu'un sait ?
Adjective
Quelqu'un + de + Adj
Quelqu'un de gentil.
Object
Quelque chose + Verb
Il veut quelque chose.
Negative Object
Ne + Verb + Rien
Il ne veut rien.
Adjective Object
Quelque chose + de + Adj
Quelque chose de beau.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Quelqu'un est présent.

Quelqu'un est présent. (Arrival)

Neutral
Quelqu'un est là.

Quelqu'un est là. (Arrival)

Informal
Y'a quelqu'un.

Y'a quelqu'un. (Arrival)

Slang
Y'a du monde.

Y'a du monde. (Arrival)

Indefinite Pronoun Map

Indefinite

Person

  • Quelqu'un Someone

Thing

  • Quelque chose Something
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Examples by Level

1

Quelqu'un est là.

Someone is there.

2

Je veux quelque chose.

I want something.

3

Il cherche quelqu'un.

He is looking for someone.

4

C'est quelque chose.

It is something.

1

Est-ce que quelqu'un a faim ?

Is someone hungry?

2

Je ne vois personne.

I see no one.

3

Il a dit quelque chose de drôle.

He said something funny.

4

Quelqu'un de célèbre est ici.

Someone famous is here.

1

Je cherche quelqu'un de compétent.

I am looking for someone competent.

2

Il y a quelque chose que je ne comprends pas.

There is something I don't understand.

3

Quelqu'un parmi vous sait la réponse ?

Does someone among you know the answer?

4

Elle a quelque chose de mystérieux.

She has something mysterious about her.

1

Quelqu'un d'autre veut venir ?

Does someone else want to come?

2

Il n'y a rien de plus important.

There is nothing more important.

3

Quelqu'un de très qualifié a postulé.

Someone very qualified applied.

4

C'est quelque chose d'incroyable.

It is something incredible.

1

Quelqu'un de sensé ne ferait pas ça.

Someone sensible wouldn't do that.

2

Il y a quelque chose d'indéfinissable dans son regard.

There is something indefinable in his gaze.

3

Quelqu'un d'aussi intelligent devrait savoir.

Someone as intelligent as that should know.

4

Rien de ce qu'il a dit n'est vrai.

Nothing of what he said is true.

1

Quelqu'un de cette envergure est rare.

Someone of this stature is rare.

2

Il n'y a rien d'autre à ajouter.

There is nothing else to add.

3

Quelqu'un d'entre nous doit agir.

Someone among us must act.

4

C'est quelque chose d'absolument fascinant.

It is something absolutely fascinating.

Easily Confused

Someone & Something in French (Quelqu'un, Quelque chose) vs Quelqu'un vs Quelques

Learners mix up the pronoun 'someone' with the adjective 'some'.

Someone & Something in French (Quelqu'un, Quelque chose) vs Quelque chose vs Rien

Learners use 'quelque chose' in negative sentences.

Someone & Something in French (Quelqu'un, Quelque chose) vs Quelqu'un vs Personne

Learners use 'quelqu'un' in negative sentences.

Common Mistakes

✗

Quelqu'une est ici.

✓

Quelqu'un est ici.

Quelqu'un is always masculine.
✗

Je ne vois pas quelqu'un.

✓

Je ne vois personne.

Use negative pronouns in negative sentences.
✗

Quelque chose beau.

✓

Quelque chose de beau.

Need 'de' before adjectives.
✗

Quelqu'un est une pomme.

✓

Quelque chose est une pomme.

Quelqu'un is for people only.
✗

Il n'a pas quelque chose.

✓

Il n'a rien.

Negative of quelque chose is rien.
✗

Quelqu'un de grande.

✓

Quelqu'un de grand.

Adjective must be masculine.
✗

J'ai besoin de quelqu'un chose.

✓

J'ai besoin de quelque chose.

Wrong word choice.
✗

C'est quelque chose que je sais.

✓

C'est quelque chose que je sais.

Actually correct, but often confused with 'ce que'.
✗

Il y a quelqu'un qui veut manger.

✓

Quelqu'un veut manger.

Redundant 'qui'.
✗

Rien de spécial est arrivé.

✓

Rien de spécial n'est arrivé.

Negation placement.
✗

Quelqu'un de telle importance.

✓

Quelqu'un d'une telle importance.

Preposition usage.
✗

Rien de plus ne peut être fait.

✓

Rien de plus ne peut être fait.

Correct, but complex structure.
✗

Quelque chose d'inconnu est arrivé.

✓

Quelque chose d'inconnu est arrivé.

Correct, but watch for agreement.

Sentence Patterns

___ est là.

Je veux ___.

___ de spécial.

Je cherche ___ de gentil.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Quelqu'un veut sortir ?

Ordering food very common

Vous voulez quelque chose ?

Job interview common

Je cherche quelqu'un de qualifié.

Travel common

Il y a quelqu'un pour m'aider ?

Social media very common

Quelqu'un a vu ça ?

Food delivery app occasional

Ajouter quelque chose ?

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💡

The 'de' rule

Always add 'de' before an adjective after 'quelque chose' or 'quelqu'un'.
⚠️

Negative forms

Don't use 'quelqu'un' in negative sentences; use 'personne'.
🎯

Gender

These pronouns are always masculine. Don't try to make them feminine!
💬

Casual speech

In very informal speech, 'quelque chose' is often shortened to 'un truc'.

Smart Tips

Always insert 'de' between the pronoun and the adjective.

Je cherche quelqu'un intelligent. → Je cherche quelqu'un de intelligent.

Switch 'quelqu'un' to 'personne' and 'quelque chose' to 'rien'.

Je ne vois pas quelqu'un. → Je ne vois personne.

Use 'un truc' instead of 'quelque chose'.

Il a dit quelque chose. → Il a dit un truc.

Use 'd'autre' after the pronoun.

Je veux quelqu'un autre. → Je veux quelqu'un d'autre.

Pronunciation

kel-kuh-uh / kel-kuh-shoz

Liaison

In 'quelqu'un', the 'l' and 'u' are pronounced clearly. In 'quelque chose', the 'e' at the end of 'quelque' is often silent in speech.

Question

Quelqu'un est là ? ↗

Rising intonation for yes/no questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Quelqu'un' as 'Quelqu' (some) + 'un' (one).

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a mask (Quelqu'un) and a gift box with a question mark (Quelque chose).

Rhyme

Quelqu'un for a person, something for a thing, remember the 'de' when an adjective you bring!

Story

I heard a knock. 'Quelqu'un est là?' I asked. I opened the door and found a package. It was 'quelque chose de mystérieux'. I opened it, but there was 'rien' inside.

Word Web

Quelqu'unQuelque chosePersonneRienQuelquesQuelqu'un de

Challenge

For 5 minutes, point to objects and people around you and say 'Quelqu'un' or 'Quelque chose'.

Cultural Notes

French speakers often use 'quelqu'un' to refer to a person they don't want to name directly.

In Quebec, you might hear 'quelqu'un' used in very casual ways, sometimes replaced by 'du monde'.

Usage is standard, but 'quelqu'un' is often used with polite honorifics.

Derived from Latin 'qualis' (what kind) + 'unus' (one).

Conversation Starters

“

Quelqu'un veut manger ?

“

Tu entends quelque chose ?

“

Quelqu'un de célèbre est venu ici ?

“

Il y a quelque chose de spécial ce soir ?

Journal Prompts

Describe a mysterious person you saw today.
What is something you want to do this weekend?
Write about a time you heard something strange.
Describe someone you admire.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

___ est à la porte.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un
It's a person.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Je ne vois ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: personne
Negative sentence.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Quelque chose beau.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelque chose de beau
Need 'de'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il veut quelque chose
Standard order.
Translate to French. Translation

Someone is here.

Answer starts with: Que...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un est là
Correct pronoun.
Match the pronoun to its negative. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Personne
Negative pair.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'quelqu'un' and 'gentil'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un de gentil
Adjective rule.
Select the correct pronoun. Multiple Choice

___ a mangé mon gâteau.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un
A person ate the cake.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

___ est à la porte.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un
It's a person.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Je ne vois ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: personne
Negative sentence.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Quelque chose beau.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelque chose de beau
Need 'de'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

veut / quelque / chose / Il

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il veut quelque chose
Standard order.
Translate to French. Translation

Someone is here.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un est là
Correct pronoun.
Match the pronoun to its negative. Match Pairs

Quelqu'un

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Personne
Negative pair.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'quelqu'un' and 'gentil'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un de gentil
Adjective rule.
Select the correct pronoun. Multiple Choice

___ a mangé mon gâteau.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un
A person ate the cake.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Voulez-vous ___ à boire ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quelque chose
Translate to French. Translation

Someone is calling you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un t'appelle.
Fix the adjective agreement. Error Correction

Il y a quelqu'un de prête ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il y a quelqu'un de prêt ?
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

chose / J'ai / de / quelque / nouveau

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: J'ai quelque chose de nouveau
Match the English to French. Match Pairs

Match the terms:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Someone | Quelqu'un
Pick the right adjective form. Multiple Choice

C'est quelqu'un de ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gentil
Add the missing particle. Fill in the Blank

Il y a quelque chose ___ bizarre.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: de
Correct the pronoun. Error Correction

Quelque chose frappe à la porte.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quelqu'un frappe à la porte.
Translate 'I want something sweet'. Translation

I want something sweet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je veux quelque chose de sucré.
Use the elided form if necessary. Fill in the Blank

Il cherche quelque chose ___ élégant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: d'

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, it is grammatically masculine regardless of the person's gender.

No, it is singular. Use 'quelques personnes' for a group.

'Quelque chose' is standard; 'un truc' is informal.

It's a grammatical requirement when adding an adjective.

Only if it's not the main subject/object being negated. Otherwise, use 'personne'.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

Use 'quelqu'un d'autre'.

You must choose based on the context of the sentence.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Alguien / Algo

Spanish uses double negatives; French uses 'ne...personne'.

German moderate

Jemand / Etwas

German has case endings; French does not.

Japanese partial

Dareka / Nanika

Japanese particles change based on function.

Arabic low

Shakhs ma / Shay' ma

Arabic is not a single pronoun.

Chinese low

You ren / You de dongxi

Chinese does not have pronouns in the same way.

English high

Someone / Something

French requires 'de' before adjectives.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
French Indirect Object Pronouns: to him, to her, to them (lui, leur)

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