Exercise: Something vs Anything

Something vs Anything: What’s the Difference?

“Something” and “anything” are both indefinite pronouns, but they are used in slightly different contexts. . So, let’s explore ‘Something‘ vs ‘Anything‘:

Something:

• Used in affirmative sentences when referring to a thing that is not known or specified.
• Example: “I need to buy something for dinner.”
• It implies that there is a specific thing, but the speaker may not know exactly what it is.

Anything:

• Used in questions and negative sentences when referring to an indefinite or unknown thing.
• Example (question): “Is there anything you need from the store?”
• Example (negative): “I don’t have anything to wear.”
• It implies a lack of specificity or a broad range of possibilities.

In summary, “something” is used in positive statements where the speaker is referring to an unspecified thing, while “anything” is used in questions and negative statements to refer to an unspecified or unknown thing.

For a deeper understanding of Indefinite pronouns, be sure to read “How to Use Indefinite pronouns“

Let’s practice

Difficulty Level : Intermediate / Proficient / Advanced / Skilled

Instructions : In this exercise, choose between the words “Something” and “Anything” to fill in the blank in each sentence.

Exercises : ‘Something‘ vs ‘Anything‘

1. I’m sorry, I didn’t find _______ interesting in that book.
2. Let me know if you need ________ else from the store.
3. Is there _______ specific you would like to discuss in the meeting?
4. I don’t have ______ to wear for the party tonight.
5. Please don’t buy _______ without checking with me first.
6. I can’t find ________ to eat in the refrigerator.
7. Do you have _______ to contribute to the charity event?
8. We need to find _______ to do this weekend.
9. She didn’t say _______ about the upcoming project.
10. Can you lend me _______ to write with for a moment?
11. We can’t start the meeting without _______ from the finance department.
12. Is there ________ you’d like me to bring to the potluck dinner?
13. I didn’t hear ________ unusual during the conversation.

Answers

1. I’m sorry, I didn’t find anything interesting in that book.
2. Let me know if you need anything else from the store.
3. Is there anything specific you would like to discuss in the meeting?
4. I don’t have anything to wear for the party tonight.
5. Please don’t buy anything without checking with me first.
6. I can’t find anything to eat in the refrigerator.
7. Do you have anything to contribute to the charity event?
8. We need to find something to do this weekend.
9. She didn’t say anything about the upcoming project.
10. Can you lend me something to write with for a moment?
11. We can’t start the meeting without something from the finance department.
12. Is there anything you’d like me to bring to the potluck dinner?
13. I didn’t hear anything unusual during the conversation.

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