Anything vs Something
What’s the difference between them?
Anything
Meaning:
Anything is a pronoun that refers to an unspecified object, act, or idea in negative context.
Examples:
1. I'm open to anything at this point.
2. Anything can happen in the world of sports.
3. She said she'll do anything to help me.
Something
Meaning:
Something is an indefinite pronoun that is used to refer to a thing or things that are unidentified or unspecified in positive context.
Examples:
1. I'm sure there's something we can do to resolve this issue.
2. I have something special planned for my birthday.
3. I have a feeling something exciting is about to happen.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Anything
1. Everything
2. Anything at all
3. All
4. Whatever
5. Anything whatsoever
1. Nothing
2. Everything
3. No one
4. Naught
5. Abstain
Something
1. Something Else
2. Something Different
3. Anything
4. Noun
5. Entity
1. Nothing
2. Opposite
3. Reverse
4. Contrast
5. Differently
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Anything", "Something".
1. To remember the difference between 'anything' and 'something,' try this mnemonic: Anything can be Nothing; Something can never be Nothing.
2. When using 'anything' in a sentence, it is usually to emphasize the unconstrained or wide range of options that may be chosen.
3. When using 'something' in a sentence, you are typically referring to an item that you know or assume to exist.
4. Pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine which word is most appropriate.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'anything' should be used when referring to an unspecified object, act, or idea in a negative context.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'something' should be used when referring to an unidentified or unspecified object, act, or idea in a positive context.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, anything is pronounced /ˈen.i.θɪŋ/, while something is pronounced /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
Common mistakes people make when using these words are using 'something' in a negative context and 'anything' in a positive context. Another common mistake is using 'something' to refer to a specific thing, when 'something' is intended to refer to a general or unspecified thing.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I cant think of _______ that would make me happier.
2. She was very disappointed that he didnt do _______ to help.
3. Theres _______ about this assignment that doesnt feel quite right.
4. I didnt hear _______ about his plans for the future.
5. He hadnt done _______ to prepare for the exam.
6. She didnt care _______ about the consequences.
1. I cant think of anything that would make me happier.
Explanation: Anything is used here because it is an indefinite pronoun that can refer to anything imaginable, suggesting that the speaker cannot think of anything that could make them happier and suggesting that the speaker is content with their current situation.
2. She was very disappointed that he didnt do anything to help.
Explanation: Anything is used here because it is an indefinite pronoun that can refer to anything imaginable, suggesting that the speaker is unhappy that the person did not do anything to help.
3. Theres something about this assignment that doesnt feel quite right.
Explanation: Something is used here because it is an indefinite pronoun that can refer to anything imaginable, suggesting that the speaker senses that there is something wrong with this assignment, but they are not sure what it is.
4. I didnt hear anything about his plans for the future.
Explanation: Anything is used here because it is an indefinite pronoun that can refer to anything imaginable, suggesting that the speaker did not hear anything at all about the persons plans for the future.
5. He hadnt done anything to prepare for the exam.
Explanation: Anything is used here because it is an indefinite pronoun that can refer to anything imaginable, suggesting that the speaker is unhappy that the person had not done anything to prepare for the exam.
6. She didnt care anything about the consequences.
Explanation: Anything is used here because it is an indefinite pronoun that can refer to anything imaginable, suggesting that the speaker is unhappy that the person did not care about the consequences of their actions.
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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.