All vs. Any — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024

"All" and "any" are quantifiers in English used to refer to extents or numbers of a subject; "all" refers to the entirety of a group or category, whereas "any" refers to one or more elements, often with no restriction on the amount.

Difference Between All and Any

Key Differences

All" is used when referring to the whole number, entirety, or every part of something. It implies inclusiveness and totality. For example, when someone says "all the cookies," they mean every single cookie. Whereas, "any" can be used to refer to one, some, or all parts of a group, often indicating a choice or possibility from among a group. For instance, "any cookie" means any single cookie or any number of cookies from the group.

In conditions or requirements, "all" sets a standard that every part of the subject must meet, which is stricter. For example, "All applicants must submit resumes" means every applicant without exception. On the other hand, "any" is used more flexibly, suggesting that any single qualifying factor is enough, as in "Any applicant with a degree may apply."

"All" is often used in contexts where completeness or unity is emphasized. For instance, "all hands on deck" means everyone needs to participate. Conversely, "any" is used in contexts where individual choices or minimal qualifications are highlighted, such as in "any volunteer can help."

In negative constructions, "all" and "any" convey different degrees of exclusion. Saying "not all the students passed" means some did not pass, whereas "no students passed" would be absolute. "Any" in a negative construction, like "not any students passed," similarly suggests none passed, aligning closely with "no."

"All" generally requires that the statement applies universally within the specified context, making no exceptions. In contrast, "any" introduces a broader, more inclusive range of applicability, often with an emphasis on variety or possibility rather than totality.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Entire number or group

One or more elements, not specific

Usage Context

Totality, completeness

Flexibility, choice, possibility

Example Phrases

All members, all options chosen

Any member, any option is possible

Negation

Not all (some but not all)

Not any (none at all)

Connotation

Exclusivity and requirement of totality

Inclusivity with minimal restriction

Compare with Definitions

All

All refers to the entire quantity or extent of a group.

All the cookies were eaten.

Any

Any refers to one, some, or all members of a group, not specific.

You can choose any color you like.

All

It is used to emphasize complete inclusion.

All opinions are valued in this discussion.

Any

Implies no restriction in selection.

Any of these options would work.

All

Indicates full participation or application.

All team members must attend the meeting.

Any

In negative statements, it means none.

Any errors should be reported immediately.

All

Requires every part or element to conform.

All entries must comply with the rules.

Any

Often used in questions to suggest openness.

Do you have any questions?

All

Being or representing the entire or total number, amount, or quantity

All the windows are open. Deal all the cards.

Any

Used to indicate a choice or possibility.

Any student can join the club.

All

Constituting, being, or representing the total extent or the whole

All Christendom.

Any

One or some; no matter which

Take any book you want. Do you have any information on ancient Roman architecture?.

All

Being the utmost possible of

Argued the case in all seriousness.

Any

No matter how many or how few; some

Are there any oranges left?.

All

Every

Got into all manner of trouble.

Any

No matter how much or how little

Is there any milk left?.

All

Any whatsoever

Beyond all doubt.

Any

Every

Any dog likes meat.

All

(Pennsylvania) Consumed; used up; gone

The apples are all.

Any

Exceeding normal limits, as in size or duration

The patient cannot endure chemotherapy for any length of time.

All

(Informal) Being more than one

Who all came to the party? See Note at y'all.

Any

To any degree or extent; at all

The patient didn't feel any better after the treatment.

All

The whole of one's fortune, resources, or energy; everything one has

The brave defenders gave their all.

Any

To even the slightest extent, at all.

I will not remain here any longer.

If you get any taller, you'll start having to duck through doorways!

That doesn't bother me any. (chiefly US usage)

All

Wholly; completely

A room painted all white.

Any

(negative polarity item) One at all; at least one; at least one kind of; some; a positive quantity of.

Do you have any biscuits?

Do you have any food?

I haven't got any money.

It won't do you any good.

All

So much

I am all the better for that experience.

Any

No matter what kind.

Choose any items you want.

Any person may apply.

Press any key to continue.

All

Used as an intensive

Then he got all mad and left.

Any

Any thing(s) or person(s).

Any may apply.

All

Each; apiece

A score of five all.

Any

One indifferently, out of an indefinite number; one indefinitely, whosoever or whatsoever it may be.

No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son.

All

Every individual or anything of the given class, with no exceptions (the noun or noun phrase denoting the class must be plural or uncountable).

All contestants must register at the scorer’s table.

All flesh is originally grass.

All my friends like classical music.

Any

Some, of whatever kind, quantity, or number; as, are there any witnesses present? are there any other houses like it?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, . . . and it shall be given him.

That if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

All

Throughout the whole of (a stated period of time; generally used with units of a day or longer).

Any

To any extent; in any degree; at all.

You are not to go loose any longer.

Before you go any farther.

All

Only; alone; nothing but.

He's all talk; he never puts his ideas into practice.

Any

(in negative statements) either every little or very great but unspecified;

Can't stand any noise

Could not endure chemotherapy for any length of time

All

(obsolete) Any.

Any

One or some or every or all without specification;

Give me any peaches you don't want

Not any milk is left

Any child would know that

Pick any card

Any day now

Cars can be rented at almost any airport

At twilight or any other time

Beyond any doubt

Need any help we can get

Give me whatever peaches you don't want

No milk whatsoever is left

All

Everything.

Some gave all they had.

She knows all and sees all.

Those who think they know it all are annoying to those of us who do.

Any

To any degree or extent;

It isn't any better

All

Everyone.

A good time was had by all.

We all enjoyed the movie.

All

The only thing(s).

All that was left was a small pile of ash.

All

Used after what, where, how and similar words, either without changing their meaning, or indicating that one expects that they cover more than one element, e.g. that "who all attended" is more than one person.}} Some dialects only allow this to follow some words and not others.

All

Wholly; entirely; completely; totally.

She was sitting all alone. It suddenly went all quiet.

All

Apiece; each.

The score was 30 all when the rain delay started.

All

(degree) So much.

Don't want to go? All the better since I lost the tickets.

All

Even; just.

All

A quotative particle, compare like.

She was all, “Whatever.”

All

(with a possessive pronoun) Everything that one is capable of.

She gave her all, and collapsed at the finish line.

All

(countable) The totality of one's possessions.

All

(obsolete) Although.

All

All gone; dead.

The butter is all.

All

The whole quantity, extent, duration, amount, quality, or degree of; the whole; the whole number of; any whatever; every; as, all the wheat; all the land; all the year; all the strength; all happiness; all abundance; loss of all power; beyond all doubt; you will see us all (or all of us).

Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

All

Any.

All

Only; alone; nothing but.

I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

All

Wholly; completely; altogether; entirely; quite; very; as, all bedewed; my friend is all for amusement.

All

Even; just. (Often a mere intensive adjunct.

All as his straying flock he fed.

A damsel lay deploringAll on a rock reclined.

All

The whole number, quantity, or amount; the entire thing; everything included or concerned; the aggregate; the whole; totality; everything or every person; as, our all is at stake.

Death, as the Psalmist saith, is certain to all.

All that thou seest is mine.

Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee,Forever.

Trust me not at all, or all in all.

All

Although; albeit.

All they were wondrous loth.

All

Quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class;

We sat up all night

Ate all the food

All men are mortal

All parties are welcome

Have some milk

Some roses were still blooming

Having some friends over

Some apples

Some paper

All

Completely given to or absorbed by;

Became all attention

All

To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');

He was wholly convinced

Entirely satisfied with the meal

It was completely different from what we expected

Was completely at fault

A totally new situation

The directions were all wrong

It was not altogether her fault

An altogether new approach

A whole new idea

All

Often used to stress unanimity or agreement.

All parties agreed to the terms.

Common Curiosities

What impact does negation have on "all" and "any"?

Negation changes their meanings: "not all" implies partial exclusion (some but not all), while "not any" means complete exclusion (none).

Can "any" be used to mean "all"?

Yes, in some contexts, "any" can mean "all," particularly in negative or conditional statements, e.g., "If any are true" can imply "if all are true."

How do "all" and "any" function differently in a sentence?

"All" emphasizes completeness and total inclusion, whereas "any" emphasizes choice and possibility within a group.

What are some common phrases using "all" and "any"?

When is it appropriate to use "any"?

Use "any" when referring to an unspecified element or number of elements in a group, especially to emphasize minimal criteria or choice.

How does the use of "all" or "any" affect the tone of communication?

"All" can sound more demanding or conclusive, while "any" is more open and permissive.

When should I use "all" instead of "any"?

Use "all" when you need to include every part of a group or when completeness is essential to the context.

What is the difference between "all" and "any"?

"All" refers to the entire group or set without exception, while "any" refers to one or more elements without specifying how many.

Can "any" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "any" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in rules, regulations, or when indicating any number or type without specific limits.

Do "all" and "any" have synonyms with similar uses?

Yes, "every" can sometimes substitute "all," and "some" or "whichever" can substitute for "any" in specific contexts.

Share via Social Media

Embed This Content

Embed Code

Share Directly via Messenger

Link

Previous Comparison

Policy vs. Strategy

Next Comparison

Socialism vs. Progressivism

Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Co-written by

Maham Liaqat