Anything vs. Everything — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Anything refers to any one item or instance from a set, while everything refers to all items or instances from a set.
Difference Between Anything and Everything
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Anything" generally signifies an unrestricted choice among various options or things. It's the broad possibility within a specified or implied range. "Everything" encompasses all things, without any exceptions. It represents the totality of items or individuals in the discussed set.
"Anything" is often used in questions and negative sentences to represent zero quantity or degree. It helps to communicate the absence of restriction in choice. "Everything" is utilized to symbolize the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or category. It doesn’t accommodate the possibility of exclusion.
In the context of specifics, "anything" does not limit the discussion to a particular item or instance. It does not commit to a single element or unit. Conversely, "everything" automatically assumes a comprehensive inclusion of all that is applicable or relevant. It seals the discourse to encase every single constituent.
While "anything" can be utilized to mean any one of the things under consideration, it doesn’t necessarily dictate coverage of all options or possibilities. "Everything," however, implicitly asserts that all entities, without exemption, are being regarded or discussed in a particular context.
Using "anything" often hints that the exact item or instance isn’t of primary concern. The concern is rather with the presence or absence of items or possibilities. On the flip side, "everything" asserts that each item, without omission, is relevant or critical to the dialogue, ensuring collective acknowledgment.
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Comparison Chart
Inclusivity
Refers to one or some items, not specific.
Refers to all items within a set, no exceptions.
Use in Questions
Commonly used ("Is there anything to eat?")
Less common ("Is everything ready for the trip?")
Negative Sentences
Used to imply none or zero ("I don't need anything.")
Seldom used ("I don't need everything.")
Quantitative Extent
Non-committal to quantity ("You can bring anything.")
Assertive of whole quantity ("You must bring everything.")
Affirmative Statements
Can indicate a singular or unspecified item ("Anything is fine.")
Indicates totality ("Everything is perfect.")
Compare with Definitions
Anything
Anything refers to any part or degree, no matter how small or large.
Anything helps in times of need.
Everything
Everything refers to the entire amount or extent.
He gave everything to charity.
Anything
Anything means any one item or instance among possibilities.
You can choose anything from the menu.
Everything
Everything means all things without exception.
Everything is ready for the trip.
Anything
Anything can signify any degree or extent, without specification.
I would do anything to help you.
Everything
Everything can express the most extreme or utmost degree.
It was everything I dreamed it would be.
Anything
Anything implies a lack of restriction or limitation in choice.
Anything goes in this creative project.
Everything
Everything implies the totality of a particular set or category.
Everything in this box is fragile.
Anything
Anything in negative structures implies zero or none.
I don't want anything from the store.
Everything
Everything (or Every thing) is all that exists; the opposite of nothing, or its complement. It is the totality of things relevant to some subject matter.
Anything
Used to refer to a thing, no matter what
Nobody was saying anything
He inquired whether there was anything he could do
Have you found anything?
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.
Anything
To any degree or extent; at all
They aren't anything like last year's team.
Everything
Many or most things.
I did everything today - washed the dishes, cut the lawn, did the laundry.
Anything
Something or someone of importance
"You had to be something to start with, and Jeremy never was anything" (Anne Tyler).
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.
Anything
Any object, act, state, event, or fact whatever; a thing of any kind; something or other.
I would not do it for anything.
Everything
(colloquial) Considerable effort.
It took everything in me to resist the temptation to skip work on my birthday.
Anything
(with “as” or “like”) Expressing an indefinite comparison.
Everything
(colloquial) The most important thing.
I can't believe I made it in time - timing is everything!
Anything
Someone or something of importance.
Everything
Whatever pertains to the subject under consideration; all things.
More wise, more learned, more just, more everything.
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.
Everything
Everything signifies the most important facts or aspects.
I will tell you everything about it.
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.
Anything
Expressing an indefinite comparison; - with as or like.
I fear your girl will grow as proud as anything.
Anything
In any measure; anywise; at all.
Mine old good will and hearty affection towards you is not . . . anything at all quailed.
Anything
A thing of any kind;
Do you have anything to declare?
Common Curiosities
How does “everything” relate to totality?
"Everything" relates to totality by referring to all things or elements in a given set or context.
Can "anything" refer to not even one thing?
Yes, in negative sentences, "anything" can imply not even one thing.
When is "anything" used in regular conversations?
"Anything" is used in regular conversations to indicate any one or some of various options.
When is "everything" used in regular conversations?
"Everything" is used to indicate the total of all items or individuals being discussed.
Can "anything" and "everything" be used interchangeably?
No, "anything" generally refers to any one item, while "everything" refers to all items.
Can "anything" imply an unrestricted choice?
Yes, "anything" often implies a lack of restriction in choice or type.
Is "anything" more common in negative sentences?
Yes, "anything" is commonly used in negative sentences, while "everything" is used in affirmative ones.
Can "everything" be used in questions?
Yes, but it is less common in questions than "anything."
Is "everything" specific or general?
"Everything" is general, as it encompasses all items or individuals in a group without exception.
Can "everything" be used to refer to the most vital aspects?
Yes, "everything" can be used to indicate the most vital or critical aspects or facts.
Is "anything" used in affirmative sentences?
Yes, "anything" can be used in affirmative sentences to indicate any one item or instance.
Is "anything" often used in offers or options?
Yes, "anything" is commonly used to present options or offers without restriction.
Can "anything" indicate a lack of specificity?
Yes, "anything" often indicates a lack of specificity regarding which item is meant.
Does "everything" always include all possible options?
Yes, "everything" refers to the total of all possible items or options without exclusion.
Can "everything" imply utmost degree or level?
Yes, "everything" can indicate the most extreme or utmost degree or level in a situation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
