There isn’t anyone in the meeting room!

Today, lets look at anything, nothing, anyone & no one. These four words can be confusing sometimes.

Anything and nothing have the exact same meaning, but the way we use these words is different:
We use anything with a negative verb and questions:

• I didn’t eat anything for breakfast.

• We thought it was strange that Tom didn’t say anything to his boss.

• Did Cathy find anything on sale at the store?

• BUT NOT: I didn’t eat nothing for breakfast.

We use nothing with a positive verb:

• I ate nothing for breakfast.

• We thought it was strange that Tom said nothing to his boss.

• Cathy said she found nothing on sale at the store.

• BUT NOT: I ate anything for breakfast.

Anyone and no one also have the exact same meaning, and the way we use these words is also different:
We use anyone with a negative verb and questions:

• I didn’t see anyone in the meeting room at 3:00.

• I couldn’t find anyone to take care of my dog when I go on vacation.

• Does Cathy know anyone who still uses CD’s?

• BUT NOT: I didn’t see no one in the meeting room at 3:00.

We use no one with a positive verb:

• I saw no one in the meeting room at 3:00

• I found no one to take care of my dog when I go on vacation.

• Cathy said she knows no one who still uses CD’s.

• BUT NOT: I saw anyone in the meeting room at 3:00.