A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

any day • any time
any day —
1
. on any one day from now: This, too, is some-
thing that may happen any day now or that could be a few
years off. 2. (coll.) is used to express one’s willingness or pref-
erence: I’d work with Murphy in Canada any day rather than
stay in here. 3. (coll.) without doubt: You are a good deal bet-
ter-looking than her, Barbara. You are, any day.
any time —
1
. at a time which may be very soon: She is going
to give birth any time now. 2. at any time one chooses: John
is in a private ward, so you can get in any time. 3. no matter
when; whenever: Any time you’re stuck for a meal come
around. 4. is used in response to an expression of gratitude:
“Thanks for helping me.” “Any time.”
any one • anyone
any one —whichever one (person or thing) you choose: Join
the Disc of the Month Club, and we will send you any one of
these recordings.
anyone —any person; anybody: Is there anyone so wise as to
learn by the experience of others?
any place • anyplace
any place —
1
. anywhere: Most people that travel any place
other than the USA can recognize distances in kilometers as
well as miles. 2. is used to refer to a specific kind of place: Do
you know of any place in Vietnam that would be good for
saltwater fly fishing?
anyplace — = any place
1
: As of June first everyone will need
a passport to travel anyplace outside the U.S.
ancient world
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any way • anyway
any way —in any way or manner: The series focuses on three
people as they navigate the Hollywood maze, trying to succeed
any way they can.
anyway —
1
. in spite of that; nevertheless: Her mom would
know she was telling a white lie, she always knew, but they
played the game anyway. 2. = any way: During this period of
social exploration you may see him trying to get your attention
anyway he can. 3. in any case; no matter what: Well I don’t
know what he said exactly — he didn’t like me anyway.