Anything vs Any Thing
What’s the difference between them?
Anything
Meaning:
a thing of any kind.
Examples:
1. I'll do anything to make it right.
2. Do you need anything from the store?
3. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Any Thing
Meaning:
used to refer to a thing of any kind or type, regardless of its specific identity.
Examples:
1. You can choose any thing you like from the menu; they have a wide variety of dishes to offer.
2. In this store, you can find any thing you need for your DIY project, from tools to materials.
3. Feel free to ask me any thing you want to know; I'm here to provide information and assistance.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Anything
1. Anything whatsoever
2. Anything at all
3. Everything
4. Anything in particular
5. Anything imaginable
1. Nothing
2. Everything Else
3. The Opposite
4. Nonentity
5. Lack of Something
Any Thing
1. Anything
2. Any object
3. Any article
4. Anything whatsoever
5. Whatever
1. Nothing
2. No one
3. Nowhere
4. Nought
5. Absent of anything
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Anything", "Any Thing".
1. Remember that 'anything' is an indefinite pronoun that is used to refer to a thing of any kind, while 'any thing' is an indefinite determiner.
2. When trying to decide which word to use, think of what part of speech you are trying to communicate.
3. If you are referring to a thing that has an unknown identity, use 'anything'—for example, 'Do you want anything from the store?'
4. If you are referring to a thing in a specific context or setting, use 'any thing'—for example, 'Do you have any thing to add to the discussion?'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When do you use 'anything'?
Anything can be used when referring to any item, object, concept, or idea that is not specified. It can also be used to emphasize a large amount or quantity of something, such as saying 'I'd do anything to make you happy'.
When do you use 'any thing'?
Any thing is used to refer to an unspecified object or item. It is an overly general term and does not focus on any specific item. For example, you can say 'I need any thing that will help me clean this mess'.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Anything is pronounced as 'en-ee-thing', whereas any thing is pronounced as 'en-ee theeng'.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is using 'anything' when they should be using 'any thing'. This mistake is often made when someone is trying to emphasize an unspecified item or object. Additionally, people often forget to include the space between 'any' and 'thing' when writing the phrase.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Is there _____ in the box?
2. I would do _____ to make you happy.
3. Can I get you _____ from the store?
4. I havent seen _____ like this before.
5. She doesnt want to eat _____ right now.
6. Was _____ left behind after the party?
1. Is there anything in the box?
Explanation: In this context, the word anything is used to inquire about the presence of any kind of object in the box. Any thing is less commonly used in such a general question.
2. I would do anything to make you happy.
Explanation: Anything is the common word used in this kind of statement which expresses a general and unconditional willingness to act.
3. Can I get you anything from the store?
Explanation: Here, anything is the common choice when offering to buy or fetch a variety of possible items.
4. I havent seen anything like this before.
Explanation: Anything fits better in this context as the sentence is expressing a lack of familiarity with something regardless of its type or kind.
5. She doesnt want to eat anything right now.
Explanation: Anything is commonly used to indicate the lack of desire to eat any kind of food.
6. Was anything left behind after the party?
Explanation: The word anything is more natural in this context to inquire about any possible item or thing left behind.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.