There are lots of words that differ from one another within an inch of contrast. We’ve already discussed some words, such as altogether, all together, and many more.
Today, we’ll be talking about “anything and anything.” Both of these words are extremely different from one another. One is used in a context referring to a single thing, while the other accommodates numerous things.
If there are multiple things, then any thing will suffice.
Anything is singular, while any thing is plural.
Any thing can be pluralized. Following are the examples that will help us differentiate in a better way:
Is anything wrong?
Any thing left over should be discarded.
This was just an overview, we’ll take a broader look at the variations between these words. You’ll get all your ambiguities answered in this article.
So, let’s get started.
Anything Vs. Any thing
The quick answer is that using anything is almost always preferable. Anything, which signifies “anything,” has a much broader range of applications than any thing, that is rarely used.
Here are some instances of how anything can be used.
- We were free to do anything we wanted to.
For instance, “she didn’t mean anything.“
- That dog is willing to eat just about anything.
- I’ll do anything I can do, to have you.
Only in the following situations would you wish to use the two-word version any thing:
When you want to highlight that you’re talking about an object rather than a person, animal, or concept, and in cases where the subject is plural.
Or When you want to add an adjective to something.
The following are sample sentences in which anything might be used.
You’re not permitted to photograph individuals, but you’re permitted to photograph any thing that you notice. Any things on the floor will be thrown away.
Lastly, “She chastises me for failing to complete any thing.”
These examples are a demonstration of the use of any thing and anything.
Anything And Any thing- How Can You Differentiate The Two?
Anything and any thing are two versions of a single word. They can be used either way. The most significant difference is that one is a pronoun while the other is an adjective.
Anything is a pronoun. It makes no difference which one you choose. Contrary to that, Any-thing is made up of an adjective and a noun.
It depends on the situation and when to use what.
Using ‘Anything’ and ‘Any Thing’: Specificity
I’m sure you’re familiar with the one-word version, so let me explain how to use the two-word version:
Nothing can be used for anything but things. This means that anything with no space refers to a singular thing.
For example, I can eat anything, including plastic or glass.
You can add an adjective and make it singular or plural to make it more specific.
For example, during this trip, please do not bring any thing expensive.
Please remember that if you say “Any thing,” you must emphasize the word “thing,” or the recipient of the message will assume you’re talking about the one-word version.
To summarize, we can say that anything is used when talking about something that might be a living or even a nonliving thing. But, Any thing (the two-word version) is always about a non-living thing.
It is used when we call out for something that is considered an item or a material.
| ANY THING | ANYTHING | |
| Definition | Refers to a thing specifically | Referring to a random object |
| Parts of Speech | Phrase | Pronoun/ Adverb/ Noun |
| Usage | You only mention one item in the context of everything else. | You can refer to something that isn’t specific. |
What Are The Distinctions Between “Something” And “Anything”?
Something is a term that describes a singular yet distinctive object. It refers to an unknown thing. Usually, one that has a specific effect.
When I say “something is in the closet,” I imply that the closet holds one specific item that may be a monster, a burglar, or a birthday present.
It depends on the context—but I can’t disclose that item for various reasons. I can only say that something that seems to be unknown frightens me.
Anything’ refers to a single, arbitrary object. ‘Anything’ is frequently the logical inverse of ‘not,’ as in “anything other than pizza,” which means “any food that is not pizza.”
Understanding the Nuances: ‘Anything’ and ‘Something’ in Language
There’s no assumption that it’s anything specific and one-of-a-kind; rather, it’s a sweeping hand-wave at various possibilities.
This is the same distinction we see between the words ‘any’ and ‘some’ (for example, “any cat will dig in a garden” vs “some cat has been digging in my garden”.
In addition to that, it can be between the articles ‘a’ and ‘the’, for example, “a song is playing on the radio” vs “the song he liked best was playing”).
‘Anything’ and ‘something’ is linguistic placeholders for unknown items, but ‘anything’ refers to an arbitrary unknown object, whereas ‘something’ refers to a specific and distinct unknown object.
The Difference Between Anything And Any thing
“Anything” is a pronoun that means “anything of any kind, regardless of its nature.”
On the other hand, “Any thing” is a noun that refers to an object or a location rather than a person, idea, or animal.
In this case, though, “any” becomes an indeterminate adjective. It modifies the word “thing.” There are rules for everything.
When the two-word variant of “anything” is used, an adjective might be placed between “any” and “thing.” It also emphasizes the unique thing about which you’re speaking.
Its most common meaning, however, virtually always relates to plural items.
If what you’re referring to requires an adjective modification or the object is plural, you can quickly determine whether you should use “anything” or “anything.”
This is the form to use if you can put an adjective between “any” and “thing,” and it still makes sense.
I am free, I can do anything I like.
Or
She can have anything she wants.
How Do You Use Anything And Anybody Or Anyone?
Keeping this in mind, we can observe how English speakers have used “anything” to represent any object or a negative connotation in their statements.
These are a couple of examples that’d help you differentiate between the two:
Is there anything to eat for them?
The people of Burma didn’t have anything to eat for a long time.
Remember that a negative sentence can only contain one negative, which is the word “not” in this case. The two terms you inquired about, “anyone” and “anybody,” work in the same way.
As an example,
Is there anyone here to get the mail today?
This morning, I haven’t seen anyone.
“Not” and “anyone” are used in the negative response. To make a negative sentence, you can also add “never,” as in: They were never able to find someone to fill that position.
Is There Anything That Can Be Described In One Or Two Words?
The two-word version (“any thing”) emphasizes that you’re talking about any object rather than a person, animal, or concept. “Any thing” (two words) is frequently replaced by “any one item.”
“Anything” can refer to anything. It has a similar connotation to the word “anything.”
For instance, I’m unable to see anything. Is there anything else you need? The phrase “any thing” is uncommon.
It’s used to indicate that you’re talking about something specific (as opposed to a person, animal, or idea). You can, for example, hide the ball inside anything. It’s not possible to give it to someone.
What Is The General Use Of Anything?
“Anything” refers to a wide range of topics. When you use the word “anything,” you’re referring to literally anything.
You don’t have anything specific in mind. This pronoun is, by definition, a broad phrase.
These examples will assist you:
- I have no experience with anything.
- At the restaurant, he didn’t order anything.
- On Saturday, my mother said I could do anything I wanted to.
- Choose anything you want to have for supper tonight.
- Have you planned anything special for your birthday this year?
- Is there anything I can do to assist you?
I hope these examples have helped you differentiate and know the general use of anything.
How Can You Define Any thing?
You can also use the plural form to differentiate objects from their surroundings. Any item is a term for a thing that belongs to a specific group of things.
An adjective is frequently used between the two nouns to describe this item. The phrase is a part of speech. Here are some examples of sentences:
In that old house, you won’t discover any thing new.
Is it true that ravens are drawn to any thing that sparkles?
Any thing left alone in the stadium risks being stolen.
The first example is about an item found in an ancient house. The adjective “new” adds to the definition.
Conclusion
I would conclude by saying that,
- “Anything” and “any thing” have different uses and meanings.
- “Anything” is a pronoun for objects or living things; “any thing” is for nonliving material.
- “Anything” is widely used for objects beyond animals or evident substances.
- “Anything” (with a space) is for discussing multiple things together.
- “Something” signifies a specific, yet unspecified, object.
- “Anything” refers broadly; “something” denotes a specific unknown object.
- Knowing this difference clarifies their usage in language.
- These distinctions ensure clarity and precision in English.
Want to find out the difference between used to and used for? Take a look at this article: Used To Vs. Used For; (Grammar and Usage)
Other Articles
Socratic Method vs. Scientific Method (Which Is Better?)
Emo, E-girl, Goth, Grunge, and Edgy (A Detailed Comparison)
Shinobi VS Ninja in Naruto: Are They The Same?