What is the definition of an existential pronoun?
The indefinite pronouns constitute a large group of forms, where the boundaries between different subgroups, and between the group as a whole and other categories of function words, can be drawn in various ways. We will here recognize three groups of indefinite pronouns: existential, quantifying, and generic. Since many of the indefinite pronouns coincide in form with quantifying determiners, the two groups will be presented together. 11.1 Existential indefinite pronouns The existential indefinite pronouns are unmarked for gender, status and animacy of referent. Semantically they can be divided into the groups universal, assertive, non-assertive, and negative. In the table below, forms with dual reference (reference to a group of two) are indicated by †. One pronoun in each of the four subgroups can form compounds ending in -one, -body, and -thing. In this way a status contrast (personal vs. non-personal) can be expressed. Note 4. The compound-forming pronouns can also form place adver
