in any thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in any thing" is correct and usable in written English, although it is somewhat formal and may sound outdated in some contexts.
You can use it when discussing a lack of restrictions or conditions regarding any item or aspect in a broader context. Example: "You can ask for assistance in any thing related to your project, and we will do our best to help you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He told his correspondent that he had in mind not only the Federalists but "any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in any thing else where I was capable of thinking for myself".

The New Yorker

Now there is no foundation whatever for this conjecture in any thing which we observe in the works of nature; no such experiments are going on at present: no such energy operates, as that which is here supposed, and which should be constantly pushing into existence new varieties of beings.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The tropes are individuals in their own right, and do not inhere in any thing-like particular.

SEP

These concepts are not associated in positing any thing that can be described as remotely physical.

SEP

In short, any thing can be represented by a pronoun.

WikiHow

Nauman himself never believed in any such thing about mystic truths, but one thing we can be sure of is that the wish to believe persists.

The Guardian - Arts

(Premise) Each thing which exists in reality is greater than any thing which exists only in the understanding.

SEP

"Did you ever hear of any thing in your life to beat that?

The New York Times

'God is the most knowable of any thing in the world' (Patrides, 1969, p.58).

SEP

Do not expect any thing in return.

WikiHow

Take away any thing in your yard that might scare away the crows.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in any thing", always check if "in anything" works better since they are often interchangeable. In these cases "in anything" sounds more natural.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "in any thing" can sound somewhat formal or archaic in modern writing. Opt for alternatives like "in anything" or "regarding any matter" to maintain a contemporary tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in any thing" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a lack of restriction or condition, encompassing any item or aspect within a given context. Ludwig shows its usage in a range of sentences, emphasizing its ability to broaden scope.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in any thing" functions as a prepositional phrase denoting inclusivity and a lack of limitations, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. While grammatically sound, it is less common than its counterpart "in anything" and can occasionally sound somewhat formal. Ludwig’s examples showcase its use across diverse domains like science, news, and general reference. Although accurate, writers should be mindful of its stylistic appropriateness and consider substituting it with more modern alternatives to guarantee that there is accuracy, clarity, and an up-to-date approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in any respect

Focuses on a specific aspect or detail rather than a general item.

in all regards

Similar to "in all aspects", but can sound slightly more formal.

in all aspects

Emphasizes completeness and comprehensiveness.

in whatever way

Shifts the focus to the manner or method of doing something.

in any respect

Highlights a particular point or feature being considered.

in any instance

Focuses on single occurence of the whole

in any kind

Similar to "in any thing" but used when referencing a group of the whole

in every detail

Focuses on thoroughness and attention to particular elements.

in each element

Similar to "in any thing" but used when referencing a single part of the whole

under any condition

Specifies that something applies regardless of circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "in any thing" in a sentence?

You can use "in any thing" to express a broad or unrestricted scope. For example, "You can ask for help "in any thing" related to the project."

What phrases can I use instead of "in any thing"?

Alternatives include "in anything", "regarding any matter", or "in all aspects" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in any thing" or "in anything"?

While both are grammatically correct, "in anything" is generally more common and sounds more natural in contemporary English. "In any thing" can come off as slightly formal or old-fashioned.

When is "in any thing" the most appropriate choice?

"In any thing" may be preferred when emphasizing the individual item or aspect being considered, rather than a general concept. However, "in anything" usually works just as well.