Anybody/somebody

In this case (and often in the affirmative statement) both are fine.

However----

Negative: "I don't think anybody will finish....."

Interrogative: "Has anybody finished...?" "Is somebody at the door?"

If anybody/somebody finishes writing his/her test earlier ...

"Anybody" seems more natural to me.

"Somebody" sounds as if the instructor believes that no one will.

But both are acceptable.

Philip"Interrogative: "Has anybody finished...?" "Is somebody at the door?"

So in the interrogative both forms are possible?

Thanks

NewguestSo in the interrogative both forms are possible?

Yes.

Somebody is at the door. (Not *Anybody is at the door.)
Is anybody/somebody at the door?
[Nobody / No one] is at the door. (Not *Anybody is not at the door.)

Isn't anybody/somebody at the door?

CJ

Newguest So in the interrogative both forms are possible?

Your technical use of "forms" may be confusing to some. (I took it the wrong way until CJ posted.)
I guess you mean "both anybody and somebody may be used in the interrogative."

AvangiI guess you mean "both anybody and somebody may be used in the interrogative."

Yes, that's what I meant. Thanks.