anything is done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything is done" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that any action can be completed, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "In this project, we believe that anything is done if we work together effectively."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"The entire civilized world will have its say before anything is done," he said.

The New York Times

If anything is done excessively then it's not a good thing.

The Guardian

Before anything is done on this issue, the positives need to be weighed against the negatives.

The New York Times

Which means that if and when Katie does start her periods, she could endure months and months of pain and discomfort before anything is done".

The Guardian

Until anything is done about the inadequacy of the convention center, Comic-Con will remain half the best time of the year and half unbearable.

The Guardian - Film

But he also wants to tell us about the bat droppings in the attic – and the ecological report stressing that, before anything is done to the house, it is "imperative" that a survey establishes what times of year bats are present.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When WHO says anything is doing anything explosively, that's bad.

Vice

Is anything being done about these concerns?

The New York Times

Is anything being done about the debt mountain?

The Guardian

"Is anything being done about this?" "They're being reprimanded," she said.

The New York Times

Q: Is anything being done to protect the sargassum?

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace the phrase "anything is done" with more precise alternatives like "anything can be achieved" or "everything is completed" to ensure grammatical correctness and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid the passive construction in "anything is done" if you can specify who or what is performing the action. For example, instead of saying "anything is done", clarify by stating "we will do everything" or "all tasks are completed by the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything is done" functions as a general statement about the completion of unspecified tasks or actions. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct in standard written English and can be unclear. Its usage implies a belief that any action is feasible, but the phrasing is grammatically awkward.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "anything is done" appears in various sources, it is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for standard written English. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrasing is awkward and unclear, and more precise alternatives should be used. Although it is considered 'Common' in terms of frequency, it is advisable to replace it with phrases like "anything can be achieved" or "everything is completed" for better clarity and grammatical correctness. These alternatives maintain the intended meaning while ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything can be achieved

Replaces "done" with "achieved", emphasizing accomplishment and capability.

anything is possible

Shifts focus from completion to the realm of possibilities.

everything is completed

Replaces "anything" with "everything" and focuses on completion.

everything is executed

Emphasizes the act of execution rather than simple completion.

everything is finalized

Highlights the finality and closure of actions.

all tasks are finished

Focuses on the completion of specific tasks.

all actions are performed

Stresses the performance of actions.

every step is taken

Highlights the progression through a series of steps.

everything is in progress

Shifts the focus to the ongoing nature of activities rather than their completion.

all efforts are underway

Similar to "everything is in progress", but emphasizing the effort being exerted.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "anything is done"?

Consider using phrases like "anything can be done", "everything is done", or "anything is achieved" depending on the intended meaning.

How can I use a more active voice instead of "anything is done"?

Rewrite the sentence to specify the actor. For example, instead of "anything is done", say "we will do everything" or "the team completes all tasks".

Is "anything is done" considered formal or informal language?

While the phrase appears in various sources, due to its grammatical issues and lack of clarity, it is better to avoid it in both formal and informal contexts. Opt for more grammatically correct and clear alternatives.

What's the difference between "anything is done" and "anything can be done"?

"Anything is done" is grammatically awkward and less clear. "Anything can be done" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is possible or permissible.