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Monseul Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

'any' used in a statement

Okay, I know the general rule is to use 'any' in negative statements and 'some' in positive statements, but I believe the following is correct. Please let me know your thoughts.

1. Q: When do you wanna see the movie?

A: Anytime is fine by me.

2. Q: What would you like to do?

A: Anything.
  

Top answer

You are thinking of 'any' when it is used as a quantity, like 'some'. It is not an absolute rule though. You can ask 'Do you have any/some matches' quite interchangeably.

— Nona the brit

  • You are thinking of 'any' when it is used as a quantity, like 'some'.
  • It is not an absolute rule though.
  • You can ask 'Do you have any/some matches' quite interchangeably.
  • It is negative when it is an answer.
  • Yes I have some matches.
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1 Answers
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You are thinking of 'any' when it is used as a quantity, like 'some'. It is not an absolute rule though. You can ask 'Do you have any/some matches' quite interchangeably. It is negative when it is an answer. Yes I have some matches. No I don't have any matches.

Any also means 'whichever/whatever', which is the meaning in your examples, and it is not negative then.
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