any

an|y [ `eni ] function word, quantifier ***

Any can be used in the following ways:

as a determiner (followed by a singular countable noun):

It's a puzzle that any intelligent child could solve. (followed by a plural or uncountable noun):

Are there any cookies left?

He doesn't have any money.

as a pronoun (without a following noun):

I looked around for toilet paper, but there wasn't any. (followed by of ):

Have you read any of his books?

as an adverb (usually followed by the comparative form of an adjective or adverb):

Are you feeling any better?

Any is used especially in questions, in negative sentences, and in clauses with if :

Is there any coffee left?

There weren't any complaints.

I can lend you a map if that's any help.

1. ) usually in negatives or questions used instead of some for saying or asking whether there is a small amount of something or a small number of people or things:

If you need any help, just let me know.

I tried to get a ticket but there weren't any left.

any of: Did any of her friends come?

any...at all: Without any hesitation at all, Jane came forward to volunteer.

few if any (=not many and possibly none): Few if any pianists have performed the Grieg concerto with such sensitivity.

a ) any more/better/bigger etc used for saying or asking whether something is more/better/bigger etc even by a small amount:

If your headache gets any worse, you should see a doctor.

The army couldn't advance any further.

2. ) used when it is not important to say which person or thing you are referring to, because what you are saying applies to everyone or everything:

If any member of the team was sick, Gary would take his place.

It's a very simple test any idiot could pass it.

any of: It was the first time that any of the children had ever been abroad.

any other: The new card can be used in the same way as any other credit card.

a ) used when it is not important which person or thing you choose:

Pick any design you want they're all the same price.

3. ) always in negatives or questions SPOKEN used for emphasis after a verb to mean at all :

Have things improved any?

any (old) how SPOKEN

in a careless and messy way:

Don't just stuff your things into the drawer any old how.

be any use/any good usually in negatives or questions

used for saying whether something is at all good, useful, or effective:

A boat like this wouldn't be any good in a storm.

It's no use complaining they never listen.

not...any longer

used for saying that a situation has ended or someone has stopped doing something:

She couldn't wait any longer.

─ compare ANYMORE

not just any (old) INFORMAL

used for referring to someone or something that is special or important:

They crossed the continent by car, and not just any car, but a 1933 Rolls Royce.

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