Anything vs. Everything: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 13, 2024
Anything refers to any single item, fact, or possibility without specification. Everything means all items, facts, or possibilities collectively.
Key Differences
Anything implies an unspecified single element or possibility within a broader range. It's non-specific and open-ended. Everything, on the other hand, encompasses the whole spectrum of items, facts, or possibilities. It's all-encompassing and leaves no room for exclusions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
In usage, anything is often used in contexts of possibility or uncertainty. For instance, "Anything can happen." Everything, conversely, is used when referring to a complete set or entirety, such as "Everything is ready."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Anything can suggest a choice among many options, indicating a lack of restriction. For example, "You can choose anything." In contrast, everything implies the inclusion of all options, leaving out none, as in "Everything on the menu is delicious."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
In questions, anything typically seeks an unspecified response, while everything is used to inquire about the totality of a situation. "Is there anything I can do?" differs from "Did you tell me everything?"
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
In negative constructions, anything denotes the absence of even a single item or fact, whereas everything indicates the absence of all items or facts. "I know nothing about anything" vs. "I know everything about it."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Unspecified single element or possibility
Totality of all elements or possibilities
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Jan 13, 2024
Usage
Indicative of possibility or choice
Refers to completeness or entirety
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Jan 13, 2024
Negation
Denotes absence of any item or fact
Implies absence of all items or facts
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Jan 13, 2024
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Anything and Everything Definitions
Anything
Anything could be hidden there.
There could be anything in this box.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Anything
To any degree or extent; at all
They aren't anything like last year's team.
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Dec 13, 2023
Everything
(literally) All the things under discussion.
I checked the list again and everything is done.
Thank you for everything you've done for us.
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Dec 13, 2023
Anything
Something or someone of importance
"You had to be something to start with, and Jeremy never was anything" (Anne Tyler).
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Dec 13, 2023
Everything
Many or most things.
I did everything today - washed the dishes, cut the lawn, did the laundry.
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Dec 13, 2023
Anything
Any object, act, state, event, or fact whatever; a thing of any kind; something or other.
I would not do it for anything.
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Dec 13, 2023
Everything
(colloquial) A state of well-being (from all parts of the whole).
She wasn't feeling well this morning but now everything is fine.
Since the company lost its best customer everything has gotten worse.
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Dec 13, 2023
Everything
(colloquial) Considerable effort.
It took everything in me to resist the temptation to skip work on my birthday.
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Dec 13, 2023
Everything
(colloquial) The most important thing.
I can't believe I made it in time - timing is everything!
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Dec 13, 2023
Anything
In any way, any extent or any degree.
That isn't anything like a car.
She's not anything like as strong as me.
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Dec 13, 2023
Everything
Whatever pertains to the subject under consideration; all things.
More wise, more learned, more just, more everything.
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Dec 13, 2023
Anything
Any object, act, state, event, or fact whatever; thing of any kind; something or other; aught; as, I would not do it for anything.
Did you ever know of anything so unlucky?
They do not know that anything is amiss with them.
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Dec 13, 2023
Anything
Expressing an indefinite comparison; - with as or like.
I fear your girl will grow as proud as anything.
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Dec 13, 2023
Anything
In any measure; anywise; at all.
Mine old good will and hearty affection towards you is not . . . anything at all quailed.
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "anything" always singular?
Yes, "anything" is treated as singular in sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does "anything" imply a choice?
Often, "anything" suggests a choice among various options.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is "everything" inclusive?
Yes, "everything" includes all things in a given context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can "everything" be used in questions?
Yes, it's used to inquire about the totality of a situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does "everything" mean the same as "all"?
Generally, but "everything" is more comprehensive, covering a wider range.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does "anything" indicate uncertainty?
Yes, it can suggest uncertainty or any number of possibilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can "anything" be used in negative sentences?
Yes, "anything" is commonly used in negations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is "everything" always positive?
Not necessarily. "Everything" can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is "everything" used in exaggerations?
It can be, like saying "Everything went wrong."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can "everything" be used for people?
Yes, "everything" can refer to all people in a group.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is "anything" used in hypothetical situations?
Yes, it's often used to discuss possibilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does "anything" imply more freedom of choice?
Generally, it suggests a wider range of choices.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is "anything" less specific than "something"?
Yes, "anything" is more general and undefined.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is "everything" comprehensive in descriptions?
Yes, it covers all aspects in descriptions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does "everything" include both tangible and intangible elements?
Yes, it encompasses both physical and abstract aspects.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can "everything" refer to a complete situation?
Yes, it often refers to the entire state of affairs.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can "everything" be too general in some contexts?
Yes, sometimes it's too broad and lacks specificity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can "anything" be used in formal contexts?
Yes, it's suitable for both formal and informal settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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