What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anybody
Example
Does anybody know the answer to this question? [anybody: pronoun]
Example
Anybody can join the club, regardless of their age or background. [anybody: noun]
somebody
Example
Somebody left their umbrella at the restaurant. [somebody: pronoun]
Example
I saw somebody familiar at the party, but I couldn't remember their name. [somebody: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Somebody is more commonly used than anybody in everyday language. It is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while anybody is slightly less common and often used in more formal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between anybody and somebody?
While anybody is slightly more formal, somebody is more commonly used in informal contexts. Both words can be used interchangeably in most situations, but somebody is more frequently used in everyday conversation.