Anyone vs. Anybody: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sara Rehman || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 10, 2023
"Anyone" and "Anybody" are interchangeable, both meaning any person or whoever, without restriction on identity.
Key Differences
"Anyone" and "Anybody" are essentially synonyms in English. Both of these pronouns are used to refer to any person or random individual without specifying who. They are general terms and can refer to an unlimited set of people.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Both "Anyone" and "Anybody" are indefinite pronouns and are used in questions and negative statements and after if/whether and verbs/prepositions expressing absence or lack. They both imply no limitation or discrimination is being made.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
The usage of "Anyone" and "Anybody" doesn't change the meaning of a sentence; they are completely interchangeable. However, "anyone" may sound slightly more formal than "anybody," but this distinction is very subtle and not recognized by all speakers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
In context, "Anyone" and "Anybody" are used when the identity of the person referred to is unknown or irrelevant to the context. They're inclusive, implying all individuals within the scope of what's being discussed.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Both "Anyone" and "Anybody" can be used in virtually any context where a non-specific individual is being referred to. Their usage is common and understood globally wherever English is spoken, regardless of regional differences.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Sentences
Used in questions, negatives, etc.
Used in questions, negatives, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Contextual Limitation
No limitation on who it refers to
No limitation on who it refers to
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Interchangeability
Can be replaced with "anybody"
Can be replaced with "anyone"
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
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Anyone and Anybody Definitions
Anyone
Anyone: used in questions to ask for a response from any individual.
Has anyone seen my keys?
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
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Anybody
Used in negative sentences to indicate no person.
There isn't anybody in the office.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Anyone
Anyone: any person, without discrimination.
The program is open to anyone interested.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Anyone
Anyone: used in negative statements indicating the lack of a person.
There wasn't anyone at the meeting.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Anybody
Used in questions to request a response from any person.
Is anybody there?
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Anybody
A person of consequence
Everybody who is anybody was at the reception. See Usage Notes at anyone, every, he1.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Anyone
One taken at random rather than by selection; anybody. [Commonly written as two words.]
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Anybody
Any one out of an indefinite number of persons; anyone; any person.
Anybody will do.
Is there anybody inside?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Anybody
(informal) A person of some consideration or standing.
Everybody who wants to be anybody will come to Jake's party.
Here one isn't anybody, if one doesn't dance like Travolta.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Anybody
Any one out of an indefinite number of persons; anyone; any person.
His Majesty could not keep any secret from anybody.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Anybody
A person of consideration or standing.
All the men belonged exclusively to the mechanical and shopkeeping classes, and there was not a single banker or anybody in the list.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Can "Anyone" refer to more than one person?
No, it refers to any single individual, but implies any number of individuals in the group.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Anyone" and "Anybody" be used in questions?
Yes, both are commonly used to refer to any individual in questions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Are there contexts where "Anyone" is preferable to "Anybody"?
No, they're interchangeable, though "anyone" may sound slightly more formal.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Is "Anyone" more formal than "Anybody"?
Slightly, but the difference is negligible in modern usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Are "Anyone" and "Anybody" the same?
Yes, they are synonyms and interchangeable.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Anybody" be used in formal writing?
Yes, it's acceptable, though "anyone" might be slightly more common.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Is there a difference in plural form for "Anyone" and "Anybody"?
Neither has a plural form; they both refer to any single person.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Anyone" be used for non-human entities?
No, it refers specifically to people.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Is "Anybody" casual in tone?
It can be considered slightly less formal than "anyone," but is used in various settings.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Do "Anyone" and "Anybody" have different origins?
No, they both come from Old English "ānig" (any) and "bodig" (body).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Anyone" be used after prepositions?
Yes, like "Is this seat free for anyone?"
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Is "Anyone" used in legal contexts?
Yes, it's used to refer to any individual without specificity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is "Anybody" appropriate in academic writing?
Yes, though "anyone" might be slightly preferred due to its formal tone.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Anybody" be used in negative statements?
Yes, like "He doesn't know anybody here."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is "Anyone" singular or plural?
It's singular, but refers to any one person in a group.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Does "Anybody" require a specific verb form?
It's singular, so it typically requires a singular verb form.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Anybody" imply a lack of specificity?
Yes, it refers to any person without indicating a specific individual.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
