Anywhere or Everywhere? What is the difference?

Grammar / By

“Anywhere” means “one of many places” and “Everywhere” means all places. “Anywhere” is usually used with negative sentences but can also be used with positive sentences whereas “everywhere” is always used with positive sentences.

We often use Anywhere and Everywhere in the context of looking for something.

We use “anywhere” when we think of each place that we look for that object. 

I can’t think of anywhere it could be.

In this case, we are thinking about each individual place it could possibly be.

We use “Everywhere” when we want to refer to all of the places together.

I checked everywhere but I couldn’t find it. 

More example sentences of anywhere and everywhere

 

  • I didn’t see your car anywhere.
  • I can’t play golf anywhere. It is too expensive.
  • I don’t see anywhere open. I am starving.
  • Is there anywhere to go out tonight?
  • Could you find your hat anywhere here?

 

  • I searched everywhere but I couldn’t find it.
  • That smell is everywhere. I can’t get rid of it.
  • I want to go everywhere. I can’t decide.
  • There are people in masks everywhere I go.

Everywhere in the negative

It is possible to use “everywhere” in the negative. It often implies that you could find something in some places but not in all places.

I couldn’t find those molecules everywhere. 

This sentence implies that there are molecules in some parts but not in every part. It is important to notice this and it might not be a good idea to use “everywhere” in the negative because it can be confusing. 

Anywhere or Any where?

Anywhere should always be one word and not two words. “Any where” is a misspelling and should not be used in English.

What about somewhere?

“Somewhere” refers to a specific place whereas with “anywhere” the place doesn’t matter.

I want to go somewhere where the sun always shines.

I don’t care where we go, let’s go anywhere.

You can read about the difference between “some” and “any” in my full article here. 

Conor
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