Page 37 - Basic English Usage

37 35 — 36

We can use anybody, anyone, anything and anywhere in the same way.
She goes out with anybody who asks her.
‘What would you like to eat?’ ‘It doesn’t matter. Anything will do.'
‘Where can we sit?’ ‘Anywhere you like.’
For the use of any and no as adverbs, see 35.
For other uses of any (and some) see 314.

35 any and no: adverbs

any/no different
any/no good/use

Any and no can modify ( = change the meaning of) comparatives (see
also 86.2).
You don't look any older than your daughter.
( = You don’t look at all older ...)
| can't go any further.
i'm afraid the weather's no better than yesterday.

We also use any and nowith different.
This school isn't any different from the last one.
‘ls John any better?’ ‘No different. Still very ill.’

Note the expressions any good/use and no good/use.
Was the film any good? This watch Is no use. It keeps stopping.

36 appear

Appearcan mean ‘seem’. In this case, it is a ‘copula verb’ (see 91), and
is followed by an adjective or a noun.
We often use the structure appear to be, especially before a noun.

| subject + appear (to be) + adjective |

He appeared very angry. (NOT ... very angrity-)

| subject + appear to be + noun |

She appears to be a very religious person.
Appear can also mean ‘come into sight’ or ‘arrive’. In this case, it is not
followed by an adjective or noun, but it can be used with adverbs.

| subject (+ adverb) + appear (+ adverb/adverb phrase)
|

A face suddenly appeared at the window.
Mary appeared unexpectedly this morning and asked me for some
money.
For seem, see 291.