English Dictionary
Definition any in British English
any
adverb, determiner, pronoun
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adverb, determiner, pronoun
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
Any can be used in the following ways:
as a determiner (followed by a singular countable noun): It’s a puzzle that any intelligent child could solve. (followed by a plural or uncountable noun): Are there any biscuits left?He hasn’t got any money.
as a pronoun (without a following noun): I looked around for toilet paper, but there wasn’t any. (followed by ‘of’): Have you read any of his books?
as an adverb (usually followed by the comparative form of an adjective or adverb): Are you feeling any better?
Any is used especially in questions, in negative sentences, and in clauses with ‘if’: Is there any coffee left?There weren’t any complaints.I can lend you a map if that’s any help.
used instead of 'some' for saying or asking whether there is a small amount of something or a small number of people or things
Without any hesitation at all, Jane came forward to volunteer.
Few if any pianists have performed the Grieg concerto with such sensitivity.
Related Words
Words related to any: