any
any
I
/ˈɛni/ adj , always used before a noun
1
— used to indicate a person or thing that is not particular or specific
Ask any man you meet, and he will tell you the same thing.
Any one of them could have answered the question.
You can return the product if any defect appears within the first six months.
Any plan (at all) is better than no plan.
Any [=every] child knows that. [=all children know that]
He is as good as any other pitcher in the league.
We can meet any day but Monday.
You could have seen him any afternoon last week.
The recipe uses a large amount of pepper, and not just any pepper, but a special blend imported from India.
You have to be a member to go there. They won't let just any person in.
2 — used to indicate an amount greater than zero or none;
— usually used in negative statements, in questions, and in statements with if or whether
You haven't eaten any salad. [=no salad has been eaten]
I can't find any stamps.
Don't pay any attention to him.
There is hardly any difference between the two teams.
They dropped by without any warning.
We don't want there to be any misunderstandings.
The company has denied any [=all] responsibility for the accident.
There are few if any [=few or no] details about the accident.
Do you have any money?
He asked if/whether you had any money.
If there are any errors, report them to me. = Report any errors to me.
If you can give me any help, I'd appreciate it. = I'd appreciate any help you can give me.
usage
Some is used instead of any in positive statements.
I have some money.
It is sometimes used instead of any in questions and in statements with if or whether.
Do you have some money?
If I had some money, I would spend it on books.
any moment — see moment
any old — see old, 1
at any cost — see cost, 1
by any chance — see chance, 1
go to any length/lengths — see length
in any case — see case, 1
in any event — see event
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II
pronoun
1 : any one of the people or things in a group
She asked if there were any present who needed assistance.
The movie's opening scene is as powerful as any I've ever watched.
— often + of
Any of them could answer the question.
He is taller than any of the other boys.
2 : any amount
“I'd like some more coffee.” “I'm sorry, but there isn't any left.”
Is there any [=some] left?
I'll see if there's any [=some] left.
— often + of
You have not eaten any of your salad.
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III
adv
: to the least amount or degree
The food there is never any good.
He won't be any happier there than he was here.
I could not walk any farther.
Do you want any [=some] more pizza?
I can't eat any more pizza.
If you want any [=some] more pizza, it's in the fridge.
(US, informal) You certainly aren't helping me any. [=at all]
We can't ignore these problems any longer. [=anymore] [=we must stop ignoring these problems]
