Somebody vs. Some Body
“Somebody” is a single-word indefinite pronoun meaning an unspecified person. “Some body” is two words only when “some” separately modifies the noun “body,” as in reference to a physical body or other noun sense.
Use “somebody” when you mean “someone.” Use “some body” only when “some” literally modifies the noun “body.”
Key details
Further guidance
Core difference
“Somebody” functions as a pronoun referring to a person; “some body” retains the ordinary noun “body.”
Fast Test
If “someone” can replace the expression, write “somebody” as one word.
Usage Boundary
Do not split “somebody” merely because its historical parts are recognizable; use two words only for a literal noun phrase.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- SOMEBODY — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary and grammar evidence for somebody as an indefinite pronoun meaning someone.
- BODY — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for body as an independent noun, establishing the literal two-word phrase some body when some modifies body.