anything that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any item, situation, or concept that meets a certain condition or criterion. Example: "You can choose anything that you like from the menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Anything that can," Munson said.

The New Yorker

Bring out anything that looks good.

The New Yorker

Anything that came through my head".

The New York Times

I would never change anything that happened.

The New York Times

"Anything that came out would be new".

The New York Times - Science

Anything that made a sound was music.

Independent

If anything, that has been reaffirmed".

The New York Times

Tingley: Daytrading anything that moves.

Forbes

"Anything that was loose we pounced on.

BBC

"We support anything that helps NIH.

Science Magazine

Almost anything that ends in ".com".com

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anything that" to introduce a broad category of items or actions, clarifying the specific criteria for inclusion. For example, "Bring "anything that" reminds you of home."

Common error

Avoid using "anything that" when a more specific term would improve clarity. For example, instead of "Anything that is red looks good", consider "Red items look good."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything that" functions as a determiner phrase introducing a relative clause. It serves to specify a broad category of items or actions that satisfy a subsequent condition. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anything that" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to refer broadly to items, situations, or concepts that meet a specific condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and can be used across a variety of contexts. It's most commonly found in Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific content, indicating its wide applicability. To ensure effective communication, use "anything that" to set criteria for inclusion while avoiding overly broad applications. Alternatives such as "whatever fulfills the condition" or "any item fulfilling the criteria" can provide nuance, ensuring your writing remains precise and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever fulfills the condition

Emphasizes the condition being met as the defining factor.

any item fulfilling the criteria

Highlights the specific requirements for something to qualify.

everything which qualifies

Focuses on the inclusive nature of the selection process.

all that fits the description

Stresses the importance of adhering to a defined set of characteristics.

everything meeting the requirements

Highlights the necessity of satisfying predefined standards.

whatever satisfies the need

Highlights that there is a need and that the condition satisfies it.

every single thing that applies

Emphasizes the broad scope of inclusion based on applicability.

all items satisfying the prerequisites

Highlights that there are prerequisites to be satisfied.

any object fulfilling requirements

Highlights object as the central aspect.

that which meets the parameters

Focuses on defined parameters that must be reached.

FAQs

How can I use "anything that" in a sentence?

Use "anything that" to refer to any item, situation, or concept that meets a specific condition or criterion. For example: "Feel free to choose "whatever you like" from the menu."

What are some alternatives to using "anything that"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "anything that" with alternatives like "whatever fulfills the condition" or "any item fulfilling the criteria".

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "anything that" and "everything that"?

"Anything that" suggests a broader, less restrictive selection, while "everything that" implies a more exhaustive or complete set. For example, if someone says "Bring "anything that" can be useful", it's less demanding than "Bring "everything that can be useful"", which asks for a more comprehensive effort.

In what contexts is the phrase "anything that" most appropriate?

The phrase "anything that" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing. It's particularly useful when you want to emphasize the possibility of multiple options or conditions being met, such as in instructions or requests.