Meaning of Any
used with uncountable or plural nouns in negative sentences and questions, after if or whether, and after some verbs such as prevent, ban, forbid, etc. to refer to an amount or a number of something, however large or small
In simple words: one or more of something, no matter which
Any in a sentence
- I didn't eat any meat.
- Are there any stamps?
- I've got hardly any money.
- You can't go out without any shoes.
- He forbids any talking in class.
- She asked if we had any questions.
- Take any book you like.
- Any colour will do.
- Any teacher will tell you that students learn at different rates.
- It isn't just any day—it's my birthday!
How to use Any
Use 'any' in questions and negative sentences. It's not used in positive sentences. For example, 'Do you have any bread?' or 'I don't have any money.'
Grammar pattern
any + noun
Memory hint
Think of an open box: any item can go inside, like 'any' choice you make.
Related words
Collocations with Any
- any time
- any place
- any day
Common mistakes with Any
- 'Any' used in positive statements like 'I have any books.'
- Confused with 'some'—'some' is used in positive sentences.
- 'Any' used incorrectly with uncountable nouns without the proper context.
Any appears in
More words like Any
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Frequently asked questions about Any
What does Any mean?
one or more of something, no matter which
What is the definition of Any?
used with uncountable or plural nouns in negative sentences and questions, after if or whether, and after some verbs such as prevent, ban, forbid, etc. to refer to an amount or a number of something, however large or small
How do you use Any in a sentence?
I didn't eat any meat.
Can you give another example of Any?
Are there any stamps?
What are synonyms for Any?
Common alternatives include anyone, anything, whatever.
What is the opposite of Any?
Opposite meanings include none, no.
What words go with Any?
It commonly pairs with any time, any place, any day.
What are common mistakes when using Any?
'Any' used in positive statements like 'I have any books.' Confused with 'some'—'some' is used in positive sentences. 'Any' used incorrectly with uncountable nouns without the proper context.
How do you pronounce Any?
US: /["/ˈeni/"]/, UK: /["/ˈeni/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Any?
Use 'any' in questions and negative sentences. It's not used in positive sentences. For example, 'Do you have any bread?' or 'I don't have any money.'
What CEFR level is Any?
"Any" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.
