any of them

USAGE SUMMARY

"any of them" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe multiple items in a group. For example, "I have several old books in my attic; any of them might be worth money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any of them yours?

The New York Times

I haven't any of them.

The New York Times

Were any of them sexual?

The New Yorker

Any of them arbitrary?

Cornell University

Will any of them take responsibility?

The New York Times

Connie won't do any of them".

The New York Times - Magazine

Did any of them write back?

The New York Times - Books

The residents never mention any of them.

The New York Times - Books

Can you remember any of them?

The New York Times - Arts

Are any of them still fashion pioneers?

The New York Times

"Hardly any of them have been killed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any of them", ensure the context clearly defines the group being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "any of them" if the referent (the group "them" refers to) is unclear or hasn't been explicitly mentioned. Always ensure your audience knows what "them" signifies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any of them" functions as a pronoun phrase, referring to one or more members within a defined group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. The examples show it substituting for nouns or noun phrases to avoid repetition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

Los Angeles Times

5%

BBC

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "any of them" is a versatile and grammatically sound pronoun phrase widely used to refer to one or more items within a defined group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to indicate possibility or selection from a known set, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to ensure the referent of "them" is clear and consider alternatives like "some of them" or "none of them" for nuanced meaning. With proper usage, this phrase will serve your writing well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some of them

Refers to a portion of the group, not necessarily indicating whether there are exceptions.

none of them

Indicates that zero items in the group meet a certain condition.

all of them

Encompasses the entirety of the group without exception.

each of them

Focuses on individuality within the group, highlighting one at a time.

every one of them

Emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring no item is overlooked.

one of them

Singles out a specific member of the group.

a few of them

Denotes a limited quantity from the overall group.

several of them

Indicates multiple items without specifying the exact number.

most of them

Signifies a majority within the group, but not necessarily all.

many of them

Implies a considerable number, though not necessarily a majority.

FAQs

How can I use "any of them" in a sentence?

Use "any of them" when referring to a selection from a previously mentioned group. For example, "I have several books; "any of them" might interest you."

What's a good alternative to "any of them"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "some of them", "none of them", or "all of them" to convey different meanings.

Is there a difference between "any of them" and "any of those"?

Both phrases are similar, but "any of those" usually refers to a specific, often visible, group. "Any of them" refers to a group that has been previously identified, whether present or not.

When is it inappropriate to use "any of them"?

Avoid using "any of them" if the group you're referring to is unclear or hasn't been previously established in the conversation or writing. This can lead to confusion.