Cool MateAnybody
UK /["/ˈenibɒdi/"]/US /["/ˈenibɑːdi//ˈenibʌdi/"]/
Definition
used instead of somebody in negative sentences and in questions after if/whether, and after verbs such as prevent, forbid, avoid, etc.
In simple words: any person at all
Examples
- Is there anybody who can help me?
- Anybody can use the pool—you don't need to be a member.
- She wasn't anybody before she got that job.
Usage notes
Use 'anybody' in questions or negative sentences. It's more casual than 'anyone' but acceptable in most contexts, both formal and informal.
Grammar pattern
anybody + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'any body' as looking for any person, like searching a crowd.
Collocations
- Does anybody know?
- If anybody asks
- I can't hear anybody
Synonyms
- anyone
- somebody
- anyone at all
Antonyms
- nobody
- no one
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'anybody' with 'somebody'
- Using 'anybody' in affirmative statements instead of 'somebody'
- Not understanding the difference between 'anybody' and 'anyone'