Word
anyone
Phoneticsany·one
US/ˈɛniˌwən/
UK/ˈɛnɪwˌɒn/
Definition
pron. any person at all. You use this in questions or negative sentences when the specific person does not matter.
pron. any person of an unspecified group. Functions as an indefinite pronoun; typically used in interrogative and negative clauses, or in affirmative clauses to imply 'no matter who'.
Examples
“Does anyone have a pen?”
“I didn't see anyone I knew at the party, so I left early.”
“The competition is open to anyone who wishes to enter, regardless of their previous experience or professional standing in the industry.”
Examples
simple
“Does anyone have a pen?”
contextual
“I didn't see anyone I knew at the party, so I left early.”
complex
“The competition is open to anyone who wishes to enter, regardless of their previous experience or professional standing in the industry.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “anyone” in context.
Usage
Takes a singular verb even when referring to multiple people. In formal writing, 'anyone' is preferred over 'anybody', though they are semantically identical.
Pitfall
Anyone have seen my keys?
Has anyone seen my keys?
As an indefinite pronoun, it requires a singular verb form.
Etymology
From Middle English eny on, ony one, equivalent to any + one.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
PRONOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/anyone