What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
somebody
Example
Somebody left their phone on the table. [somebody: pronoun]
Example
I heard that somebody important is coming to the event. [somebody: noun]
someone
Example
Someone is knocking on the door. [someone: pronoun]
Example
I need someone to help me move this couch. [someone: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Someone is more commonly used than somebody in both spoken and written English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between somebody and someone?
Someone is slightly more formal than somebody, but both words are generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
