anyone vs anybody

Camille · Mar 27, 2008

Does it matter which is used?

Julie Worth · Mar 27, 2008

There's no difference, but to my ear anybody sounds more earthy, so I have my less educated characters use it. To others it's just the reverse. Maybe it's a regional thing.

Mumut · Mar 27, 2008

They can sound different and that can be helpful. If you want to really emphasise something, like, 'I want everybody out of here,' sounds a lot more forceful than, 'I want everyone out of here'. Otherwise they mean the same.

maestrowork · Mar 29, 2008

They mean the same thing but it comes down to what sounds better.

To me, "anybody out there?" sounds better than "anyone out there?" but "anyone can cook" sounds better than "anybody can cook."

absitinvidia · Mar 29, 2008

Can this question be added to the FAQ? I swear it comes up every three months or so.

Earlier iterations are here:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84797

and here:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62904

anyone vs anybody

Camille

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

Mumut

Well begun is half done...

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

absitinvidia

A bit of a wallflower