Everything, anything, something, nothing, etc.
With clear A2 grammar explanations and fun exercises to do, you can learn how to use everything, anything, something, and nothing in English.
Exercises & Summary
Everything, anything, something, nothing, etc.
In English, we use words like something, anything, nothing, and everything a lot.
They help us talk about people, things, or ideas without saying the exact name of the thing.
Let’s find out how to use them the right way!
Something
When we talk about something we don’t know, we use something in a positive way.
Examples:
- I need something to drink.
- She bought something new yesterday.
Tip:
“Something” can mean one or more things, but we don’t say what they are.
Anything
We use anything in negative sentences and questions.
Examples:
- I don’t want anything to eat.
- Did you buy anything at the market?
Tip:
“Anything” means any possible thing. If there’s no limit, we use “anything”.
Nothing
We use “nothing” to mean “not anything” or “no thing.”
We don’t use “not” with it because it already has a bad meaning.
Examples:
- There is nothing in the box.
- I have nothing to say.
Wrong: I don’t have nothing to say.
Correct: I have nothing to say.
Everything
We talk about everything with everything.
Examples:
- Everything is ready for the party.
- She knows everything about computers.
Tip:
Use “everything” when you mean all the possible things.
Quick Summary
| Word | Used In | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Something | Positive sentences | One or more unknown things | I saw something in the garden. |
| Anything | Questions / Negatives | Any possible thing | I didn’t see anything. |
| Nothing | Positive structure, negative meaning | No thing | There is nothing on the table. |
| Everything | Positive sentences | All things | Everything is fine. |
Common Mistakes
I don’t have anything. → Correct
I don’t have nothing. → Wrong (double negative)
Did you buy something? → Correct if you expect yes.
Did you buy anything? → Correct if you don’t know or just ask.
Practice Tip
The next time you write or talk in English, pay attention to these words.
Ask yourself:
- Am I talking about all things (everything)?
- No things (nothing)?
- Any possible thing (anything)?
- Or just one unknown thing (something)?