Cool MateAnybody vs Somebody
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Anybody | Somebody | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | any person at all | a person, not known or specific |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | pronoun | pronoun |
| Usage notes | Use 'anybody' in questions or negative sentences. It's more casual than 'anyone' but acceptable in most contexts, both formal and informal. | Used in both spoken and written English. It's common in everyday conversation when the speaker does not know who they are referring to. Avoid in very formal contexts where specificity is required. |
Frequently asked questions: Anybody vs Somebody
What's the difference between "Anybody" and "Somebody"?
"Anybody" means: any person at all "Somebody" means: a person, not known or specific
When should I use "Anybody" and "Somebody"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Anybody" and "Somebody" the same CEFR level?
"Anybody" is at A2, "Somebody" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.