somebody

Everyday

1. Somebody means a person, but we do not know or do not say who. It means the same as someone. tree →
2. A somebody is a person who is important or famous: he wants to be a somebody. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: an unnamed person in a story; no amount; read the verb for the operation (took means take away, gives means add). In everyday life and safety: if somebody you do not know offers you a lift, say no and tell an adult; tell somebody you trust if you feel unsafe. Phrases: somebody else, somebody special, ask somebody, somebody or other.

Examples

• Somebody took 3 cookies from the jar. tree →
• If somebody gives you 5 more, how many will you have? tree →
• Somebody left 2 books on the desk. tree →
• Somebody ate half of the cake. tree →
• Somebody is knocking at the door. tree →
• If you are lost, ask somebody who works in the shop. tree →
• Is somebody sitting here? tree →
• I think somebody else has my pencil. tree →
• "Why did not somebody tell me?" tree →

Note

Use a singular verb: «somebody is», «somebody has». Same as «someone». A person only; read the verb for the operation (took means take away, gives means add).