A1pronoun 1K

Anyone

UK /["/ˈeniwʌn/"]/ US /["/ˈeniwʌn/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

used instead of someone in negative sentences and in questions after if/whether, and after verbs such as prevent, forbid, avoid, etc.

Listen to definition

In simple words: any person at all

Examples

• Is anyone there?
• Does **anyone else** want to come?
• Did anyone see you?
• Hardly anyone came.
• I forbid anyone to touch that clock.
• Anybody can see that it's wrong.
• The exercises are so simple that almost anyone can do them.
• She wasn't anyone before she got that job.

Usage notes

Use 'anyone' when referring to any person, especially in questions or negative statements. Avoid using it in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone pronoun

Memory hint

Think of 'any one' as picking any single person in a crowd.

Collocations

• ask anyone
• help anyone
• tell anyone

Synonyms

• any person
• somebody
• anybody

Antonyms

• 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.