any(determiner)

any (SOME)

used in questions and negatives to mean some

• Dictionary examples:

  • ""Is there any more soup?"" ""No, I'm afraid there isn't any left.""
  • I haven't seen any of his films.
  • I asked Andrew for some change but he hasn't got any.

• Learner example:

  • She doesn't [want] any more children. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Bengali)

any (NOT IMPORTANT WHICH)

one of or each of a particular kind of person or thing when it is not important which

• Dictionary examples:

  • ""Which of these cakes may I eat?"" ""Any.""
  • Any of you should be able to answer this question.
  • Any advice that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
  • We should hear from him any minute/day/time now.
  • There were a lot of computers at the exhibition, any (one) of which would have suited me perfectly.

• Learner example:

  • When I [was a] child, I like[d] reading any cartoon book, so my parents bought many books for me. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Mandarin)

anything(pronoun)

anything (IN QUESTIONS/NEGATIVES)

used in questions or negatives to mean 'something'

• Dictionary examples:

  • Is there anything I can do to help?
  • I didn't eat anything.
  • Did you notice anything strange about him?
  • Was there anything else you wanted to say?

• Learner example:

  • When I['m] speaking in class I'm very nervous and I can't say anything. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

anything (NO MATTER WHICH)

any object, event, situation, etc.

• Dictionary examples:

  • Tom will eat anything!
  • We can do anything you like.

• Learner example:

  • I like spag[h]etti bolognese or lasagne. But I eat anything. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Slovak)

apple(noun)

a hard, round fruit that has a green or red skin and is white inside

• Dictionary examples:

  • to peel an apple
  • apple pie/sauce
  • an apple tree

• Learner example:

  • The place is in North Iraq. I like this place, becaus[e] it [has] very nice w[ea]ther, and [there is] nice fruit: dates, grapes, peach[es], [and] apple[s]. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Arabic)"