Cool MateAnyone vs Everybody
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Anyone
Top 1,000 (very common)A1pronoun
Everybody
Top 1,000 (very common)A1pronoun
| Anyone | Everybody | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈeniwʌn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈeniwʌn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈevribɒdi/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈevribɑːdi//ˈevribʌdi/"]/ |
| Meaning | any person at all | All people. |
| Example | Is anyone there? | Everybody knows Tom. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | pronoun | pronoun |
| Collocations | ask anyone, help anyone, tell anyone | everybody knows, everybody loves, everybody agrees |
| Antonyms | nobody, no one | nobody, no one |
| Common mistakes | 'Anyone' confused with 'anyone else' for adding more people., Using 'anyone' in formal situations where 'any individual' might fit better., Not distinguishing between 'anyone' and 'everyone' in context. | Using 'everybody' with a plural verb (e.g. 'everybody are')., Confusing with 'everyone' as both mean the same, but with slightly different nuances., Omitting the verb when saying 'everybody' in sentences. |
| Usage notes | Use 'anyone' when referring to any person, especially in questions or negative statements. Avoid using it in very formal writing. | Used in informal and formal contexts. However, it may be too casual in very formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Anyone vs Everybody
What's the difference between Anyone and Everybody?
Anyone: any person at all Everybody: All people.
Are Anyone and Everybody the same CEFR level?
Anyone: A1, Everybody: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Anyone and Everybody?
Anyone: pronoun, Everybody: pronoun.
Can you show an example of each?
Anyone: Is anyone there? Everybody: Everybody knows Tom.
Can I use Anyone and Everybody interchangeably?
Not always. Anyone and Everybody are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.