Using anything

Anything is a word used instead of something in negatives and questions. It is used to ask whether even a small amount of something exists or is available.

She doesn’t know anything about gadgets.
He never buys anything useful.

Anything is also used when it is not important to say exactly which thing, idea or action you are referring to.

You can do anything you want.
I will do anything for my kids.

Hardly anything

Hardly anything has a similar meaning to nothing.

You ate hardly anything.
As the lights were out, I could see hardly anything at all.

Anything else

Would you like to order anything else, Sir?
Have you got anything else to say?

Almost anything / just about anything

These expressions are used to emphasize anything.

He will do just about anything for his family.
He will eat almost anything.

Anything can be used with numbers to show that you are not giving the exact figure.

A good laptop can cost anything from $700 to $1200.
She is a well-known consultant. You may have to wait anything between four and six months for an appointment.

Phrases with anything

Anything but

This expression is used to emphasize the fact that a particular word does not describe the exact nature of a person or situation.

She was anything but cooperative. (= She wasn’t cooperative at all.)
I was anything but interested in the offer. (= I was not at all interested in the offer.)
They were anything but amused. (= They weren’t amused at all.)

Anything for a quiet life

This expression is used for saying that you let someone do something because you don’t want to get into an argument with them.