or somebody
fixed phr..fixed phr.. you use this after naming a person to show you are not 100% sure if it was them or someone else.
fixed phr.. a pragmatic marker used to indicate epistemic uncertainty regarding the identity of a specific person mentioned; functions as a hedge to avoid inaccuracy.
I think Sarah or somebody called you earlier.
The manager or somebody from the office will be there to meet you at the airport.
The witness claimed that the defendant or somebody of a similar height was seen fleeing the premises shortly after the alarm sounded.
usually follows a specific name or job title in informal speech.
this is a common 'vague language' strategy; teach it alongside 'or something' to help students sound more natural when they are uncertain.
I saw John or anybody.I saw John or somebody.in affirmative statements of uncertainty, 'somebody' is used rather than 'anybody'.