Someone vs. Somebody — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Someone and Somebody are both pronouns used to refer to an unspecified individual. They're often interchangeable.
Difference Between Someone and Somebody
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Someone and Somebody both serve as indefinite pronouns that refer to an unidentified person. They're used when the speaker does not know or does not need to specify who they are referring to. For instance, "Someone left their jacket here," or "Somebody called for you while you were out."
In formal contexts, some argue that "someone" is a tad more formal than "somebody." So, in a formal letter, one might opt for "I was hoping someone might assist me," over "I was hoping somebody might assist me."
Regarding pronunciation, "someone" is shorter and might be perceived as slightly less cumbersome than "somebody." In rapid speech or in casual settings, one might find it easier to say "Did someone call?" rather than "Did somebody call?"
However, in everyday language, the choice between "someone" and "somebody" largely comes down to personal preference. There are no strict rules dictating when one should be used over the other.
It's also worth noting that both pronouns can be used in negative and interrogative structures. For instance, "Hasn't someone called yet?" or "Hasn't somebody called yet?"
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Slightly more formal
More casual
Length
Shorter
Longer
Usage
Common in both speech & writing
Common in speech
Negation
Used in negative structures
Also used in negative structures
Interrogative
Used in questions
Also used in questions
Compare with Definitions
Someone
An unspecified person.
Someone has to take responsibility.
Somebody
An unspecified individual.
Somebody left this behind.
Someone
Any person.
Someone like you should try it.
Somebody
An important or notable person.
He's not a nobody; he's somebody.
Someone
A person fitting a certain description.
There must be someone who knows the answer.
Somebody
A person suitable for a task.
We need somebody with experience.
Someone
An individual of importance.
She's not just anyone, she's someone.
Somebody
An unidentified person.
Somebody needs to fix this.
Someone
An unknown or unspecified person; some person
Someone from the audience shouted out
There's someone at the door
Somebody
Any person in general.
Somebody in this room must know.
Someone
A person of importance or authority
A small-time lawyer keen to be someone
Somebody
Some person; someone.
Someone
A person of importance
He really thinks he's someone.
Somebody
A person of importance or authority
Nobodies who want to become somebodies
I'd like to be somebody
Someone
Some person.
Can someone help me, please?
Somebody
A person of importance
"Obviously she was somebody—a real presence in the room" (Oleg Cassini).
Someone
A partially specified but unnamed person.
Do you need a gift for that special someone?
Somebody
Some unspecified person.
Somebody has to clean this mess up.
Someone
An important person
He thinks he has become someone.
Somebody
A recognised or important person, a celebrity.
I'm tired of being a nobody – I want to be a somebody.
Someone
A human being;
There was too much for one person to do
Somebody
A person unknown or uncertain; a person indeterminate; some person.
Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me.
We must draw in somebody that may stand'Twixt us and danger.
Someone
A person not specified by name.
Someone called but didn't leave a message.
Somebody
A person of consideration or importance.
Before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody.
Somebody
A human being;
There was too much for one person to do
Common Curiosities
Are Someone and Somebody interchangeable?
Yes, they are often used interchangeably in many contexts.
Can they be used in negative structures?
Yes, such as "Someone hasn't done this" or "Somebody hasn't arrived yet."
Is there a difference in meaning between the two?
No, both refer to an unspecified person.
Is Someone more formal than Somebody?
Someone is perceived to be slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.
Can they refer to multiple people?
No, both refer to a single, unspecified person.
Which one is more common in speech?
Both are common, but Somebody might be slightly more prevalent in casual speech.
Are there instances where one is preferred over the other?
It's a matter of personal preference, though some consider Someone more appropriate for formal writing.
Are there other similar pronouns in English?
Yes, such as "anyone" and "anybody."
Can you give an example of using Someone in a sentence?
Certainly! "Someone left their umbrella here."
Can I use both pronouns in questions?
Yes, both "Has someone...?" and "Has somebody...?" are correct.
Is Somebody longer in pronunciation than Someone?
Yes, Somebody has three syllables, while Someone has two.
Are these words of modern origin?
No, both have been in use for centuries.
How about an example with Somebody?
Of course! "Somebody should help her."
Can these pronouns be used in formal documents?
While both can be used, Someone might be preferred due to its slightly more formal tone.
Do other languages have equivalents for these pronouns?
Yes, many languages have their versions of unspecified person pronouns.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
