in anybody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in anybody" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express something related to "anyone" or "anybody," but the context is necessary for proper usage. Example: "I don't believe in anybody who would do such a thing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's going to be hard to bring in anybody new," said Nilsson.

The Guardian - Sport

"I won't bring in anybody just for the sake of it.

BBC

Come on in, anybody.

Los Angeles Times

In anybody.

The New Yorker

We take in anybody that comes".

The New Yorker

"You can't have faith in anybody who is Russian".

The New York Times - Sports

They are extremely reluctant to place their faith in anybody else.

The Economist

"It's hard to put yourself in anybody else's shoes," Kupchak said Saturday.

The New York Times

"I don't perceive faith as a weakness in anybody," Ms. Smith said.

The New York Times

It's incredibly idiosyncratic and there are jokes in there that wouldn't appear in anybody else's work.

The Guardian - Film

"Just like with O'Neal, I don't feel confident in anybody," Van Gundy said of stopping Mourning.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal contexts where "in anybody" is used, ensure the surrounding sentence provides adequate context to convey the intended meaning clearly.

Common error

Avoid assuming that high frequency equates to grammatical correctness. While "in anybody" appears often, particularly in informal speech, it doesn't mean it is appropriate for all writing contexts. Prioritize grammatical accuracy, especially in formal and academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in anybody" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate a lack of belief, interest, or confidence. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not grammatically correct. It is intended to express something related to "anyone" or "anybody".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "in anybody" is commonly found across various contexts, especially in news and media, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It often appears when expressing a lack of belief, interest, or confidence in people. For formal writing, it's advisable to use "in anyone" or rephrase the sentence to improve clarity. Despite its frequency, remember that high usage doesn't always equate to grammatical correctness. Pay close attention to the context and aim for precision in formal communications. Common mistakes can be avoided by favoring correctness over colloquial usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in anyone

Replaces "anybody" with "anyone", providing a more grammatically standard alternative while retaining the original meaning.

within anyone

Specifies that something is contained or exists inside a person. Slight semantic difference, emphasizing internal existence.

within anybody

Very similar to "within anyone", emphasizing something contained or existing internally in a person.

among anyone

Indicates a selection or comparison within a group of people. Slightly different focus, emphasizing the group dynamic.

for anyone

Highlights the suitability or benefit of something for a person. Shifts the focus to purpose or recipient.

amongst anybody

Similar to "among anyone" but slightly more formal and less common, indicating inclusion within a group.

for anybody

Highlights the suitability or benefit of something to a person, similar to "for anyone".

to anybody

Specifies the recipient or target of an action directed towards a person. Focuses on directionality.

towards anybody

Indicates direction or attitude towards a person. Emphasizes the direction of an action or feeling.

with anyone

Indicates association, agreement, or interaction with a person. Emphasizes connection or relationship.

FAQs

Is "in anybody" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, "in anybody" is not considered standard English. "In anyone" or rephrasing to avoid the preposition is more grammatically sound.

When is it appropriate to use "in anybody"?

It's generally better to avoid "in anybody" in formal writing. However, it might be acceptable in informal speech or writing where colloquial language is appropriate.

What are some alternatives to using "in anybody"?

You can use alternatives like "in anyone" or rephrase the sentence to avoid the construction entirely, depending on the context.

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "in anybody" for clarity?

Instead of saying "I don't believe in anybody", try "I don't believe in anyone" or "I don't trust anyone" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. Remember that based on the specific context, "no one" or "nobody" might fit better.