When you want to refer to an unspecified object, matter, event, or idea, you may wonder whether “anything” or “any-thing” is correct. This confusion usually comes from seeing hyphens used in other English compounds. The good news is that the standard spelling is straightforward: anything is normally written as one word.
In this guide, we will explain the difference between anything and any-thing, show when to use each form, and provide practical examples. You will also learn how “anything” works in questions, negative sentences, and conditional sentences, along with common mistakes learners should avoid.
Quick Answer
Anything is the standard and correct spelling in modern English when the word means “any thing,” “something of any kind,” or “something unspecified.” Any-thing is generally not used as the ordinary spelling. In normal writing, choose anything as one word.
Why Do People Confuse It?
People sometimes write any-thing because English contains many compound words that use hyphens.
For example:
- well-known
- part-time
- self-control
- mother-in-law
However, not every combination of words needs a hyphen.
Anything is an established compound pronoun and is normally written as one word.
The confusion can also arise because the word can be understood conceptually as any + thing. Although its parts have separate meanings, the standard written form is anything.
First Word: Anything
Anything is an indefinite pronoun. It refers to any object, matter, event, or idea without specifying exactly what it is.
Examples:
- Do you need anything?
- I didn’t see anything unusual.
- You can choose anything you like.
- Is there anything I can do?
- She would do anything to help her family.
“Anything” is especially common in questions, negative statements, and conditional sentences.
Anything in Questions
We commonly use anything when asking whether something exists or is wanted.
- Would you like anything to eat?
- Did you buy anything?
- Is there anything wrong?
- Do you need anything from the store?
Second Word: Any-Thing
Any-thing is not the normal spelling when you simply mean anything.
In standard modern English, you should generally write:
anything
not:
any-thing
For example:
- Correct: I didn’t hear anything.
- Incorrect in ordinary usage: I didn’t hear any-thing.
A hyphen could theoretically appear in unusual contexts where a writer deliberately separates or emphasizes the two elements, but this is not the normal spelling of the pronoun.
Anything vs Any-Thing: Comparison Table
| Form | Standard spelling? | Typical meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| anything | Yes | Any object, matter, event, or idea | Is there anything I can help with? |
| any-thing | No, in ordinary usage | Usually intended to mean “anything” | Avoid this spelling in normal writing |
The important rule is simple: use “anything” as one word.
When Should You Use Each?
Use “Anything” as a Pronoun
Use anything when you mean any unspecified thing.
- You can ask me anything.
- I didn’t find anything.
- Anything is possible.
Use “Anything” After Negative Words
“Anything” frequently appears after not, never, hardly, and similar negative expressions.
- I don’t know anything about it.
- She didn’t say anything.
- He never does anything without planning.
- We couldn’t find anything useful.
Use “Anything” in Conditional Sentences
It is also common in sentences involving if.
- If you need anything, call me.
- If anything happens, let me know.
- You can choose anything if you have enough money.
Avoid “Any-Thing” in Normal Writing
Do not normally add a hyphen simply because anything contains the words any and thing.
Write:
- anything
- something
- nothing
- everything
rather than:
- any-thing
- some-thing
- no-thing
- every-thing
10+ Examples of Anything
Here are practical examples showing how anything is used naturally.
- Do you need anything from the supermarket?
- I didn’t eat anything this morning.
- You can choose anything from the menu.
- Is there anything I can do to help?
- She can learn anything with enough practice.
- I don’t want anything right now.
- If you hear anything unusual, tell me.
- He would do anything for his children.
- Did you find anything interesting?
- You shouldn’t believe anything you read online.
- We didn’t see anything during the trip.
- Anything is possible if you keep trying.
Notice that the spelling remains anything in every example.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Adding an Unnecessary Hyphen
❌ I don’t want any-thing.
✅ I don’t want anything.
The hyphen is unnecessary because anything is conventionally written as one word.
Mistake 2: Separating the Word
❌ Is there any thing I can do?
✅ Is there anything I can do?
There are special grammatical situations where any and thing can appear separately, but that is different from spelling the pronoun “anything” incorrectly.
Mistake 3: Confusing Anything With Something
Anything and something are not always interchangeable.
Compare:
- Would you like something to drink?
- Is there anything you would like to drink?
The first often suggests an offer or expectation that the answer may be yes. The second is more open-ended.
Mistake 4: Confusing Anything With Everything
Anything can mean any one of a range of possibilities, while everything generally refers to all relevant things.
- You can choose anything.
= You may choose any option. - You can take everything.
= You may take all of it.
Memory Trick
Think of these four common indefinite pronouns as a single group:
- something = an unspecified thing
- anything = any unspecified thing
- nothing = no thing
- everything = all things
All four are normally written as one word.
A simple memory rule is:
If you mean the indefinite pronoun, write “anything” without a hyphen.
American vs British English
There is essentially no spelling difference between American and British English for anything.
Both varieties normally use:
anything
The hyphenated form any-thing is not the standard everyday spelling in either variety.
For example, both American and British English use:
- Is there anything I can do?
- I don’t know anything about it.
- You can choose anything you want.
Similar Words
Understanding related indefinite pronouns can make the rule easier to remember.
Something
Something refers to an unspecified thing.
- I need something to eat.
Nothing
Nothing means not anything.
- There is nothing in the box.
Everything
Everything refers to all relevant things.
- Everything is ready.
Anything
Anything can refer to any possible thing.
- You can ask me anything.
These words are generally written as single words.
Final Verdict
The correct standard spelling is anything.
Use anything when you mean “any thing,” “any possible thing,” or an unspecified object, idea, event, or matter.
Any-thing is not the normal spelling of this indefinite pronoun. In ordinary English writing, including school, professional, academic, and everyday writing, choose anything.
FAQs
Is “anything” one word or two?
Anything is one word. It is normally written without a space or hyphen.
Is “any-thing” grammatically correct?
Any-thing is not the standard spelling of the indefinite pronoun. In normal writing, use anything.
Why is anything written as one word?
Anything has developed as an established compound indefinite pronoun, so modern English conventionally writes it as one word.
Is “anything” used in negative sentences?
Yes. For example: I don’t know anything about the problem.
Can I use anything in a question?
Yes. For example: Did you buy anything at the store?
What is the difference between anything and something?
Anything often refers to any possible thing, while something usually refers to an unspecified but particular thing.
Is “anything” the same in American and British English?
Yes. Both American and British English normally spell the word anything.
Remember This
Anything = correct standard spelling.
Any-thing = generally incorrect for the ordinary indefinite pronoun.
When you mean “any possible thing,” write it as one word:
anything
Conclusion
The difference between anything and any-thing is mainly a matter of standard spelling. When you use the indefinite pronoun meaning “any thing” or “any possible thing,” the correct modern form is anything, written as one word.
Remember that English does not require a hyphen simply because a word contains two recognizable parts. In everyday, academic, and professional writing, use anything confidently and avoid the unnecessary hyphen.
