A1determiner1K

Any

UK /["/ˈeni/"]/US /["/ˈeni/"]/

Definition

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

Examples

  • 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!

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • any time
  • any place
  • any day

Synonyms

  • anyone
  • anything
  • whatever

Antonyms

  • none
  • no

Common mistakes

  • '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.