anything vs everything

[Kamila M]

I know that we use anything in questions and negative sentences. I also know that we say Anything is possible. You can have anything you like. She likes anything sweet. Why can't I use everything in these sentences?

 

[meobeo]

I know that we use anything in questions and negative sentences. I also know that we say Anything is possible. You can have anything you like. She likes anything sweet. Why can't I use everything in these sentences?

When you use anything in a positive sentence, it means "it does not matter which one". You CAN use everything in the sentences you mentioned but the meanings of them would be different. For example, "She likes anything sweet." means that she likes whatever is sweet, such as candy, sugar, etc...However, for example, if you're eating some dishes made by "she" and you find them all too sweet, someone would explain to you saying :"She likes (to make) everything sweet."

 

[BobK]

:up:

I know that we use anything in questions and negative sentences. I also know that we say Anything is possible. You can have anything you like. She likes anything sweet. Why can't I use everything in these sentences?

You can, but it changes the meaning as meobeo explained (very well ;-))

b

 

[Kamila M]

thank you