What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anything
Example
You can choose anything from the menu. [anything: pronoun]
Example
Is there anything I can help you with? [anything: pronoun]
whatever
Example
You can wear whatever you want to the party. [whatever: pronoun]
Example
I don't care about the movie, we can watch whatever. [whatever: pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anything is more commonly used than whatever in everyday language. Anything is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while whatever is more informal and may not be suitable for formal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between anything and whatever?
While anything can be used in both formal and informal situations, whatever is more commonly used in casual or informal conversations. Whatever has a more relaxed and casual tone, making it suitable for informal settings.