Anyone,anybodyandanythingare indefinite pronouns. We useanyone,anybodyandanythingto refer to both an open, unlimited set of things or people and specific things or people.We use them with a singular verb:
Hasanyonegot a dictionary?
Anybodyis welcome to join. There aren’t any rules.
Can I doanythingto help?
I don’t knowanybodywho speaks Portuguese.
We often use the plural pronountheyto refer back to (singular)anyonewhen we do not know if the person is male or female:
Ifanyonewould like further information about the dogs,theyshould call Canine Rescue on 0502 75257.(The same asIfanyonewould like further information about the dogs,he or sheshould call Canine Rescue on 0502 75257.)
Anything, anyone, anybodydon’t have a negative meaning on their own:
We stayed in Sevilla for the rest of our holidays.No onewanted to come back, but we had to.
Not:Anyone wanted to come back.
See also:
Any
Anyoneandanybody
Anyoneandanybodyhave no difference in meaning.Anybodyis a little less formal thananyone.Anyoneis used more in writing thananybody:
I didn’t knowanybodyat the party.
[talking about the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks]
It is hard to findanyonewho thinks that the All Blacks will face a stronger team.
See also:
Pronouns: indefinite (-body, -one, -thing, -where)