Any one—similarly to any more and any body—simply combines any and one to mean “one”:
Which one of the choices do you want for lunch? I will eat any one of them.
Will any one of those dresses fit you?
Anyone, in contrast, means “any person” (and is singular):
He’s a misanthropist; he doesn’t like anyone.
Can anyone become an engineer?
Anyone can talk to me.
For some reason, any one and anyone do NOT seem to be limited to contexts of negation and questions, like some other any terms. However anyone does NOT mean the same thing as someone and CANNOT be used to mean “one unspecified person”:
Incorrect:
*Anyone needs to wash the dishes.
*I want anyone to talk to.
Correct:
Someone needs to wash the dishes.
I want someone to talk to.
In a positive sentence, any-words always mean that you don’t care which one—just one of all the people on the planet, or of all the things in the set that you are referring to:
Correct: I need to hire someone – a linguist or teacher.
Incorrect: I need to hire anyone – a linguist or teacher.
Correct: I could hire anyone – as long as they’re breathing!
Any is a tricky word! Its use depends heavily on context and implications. Listen carefully to how native speakers use it. But if you can remember to use it mainly in negations, questions, and contexts where it does not refer to some specific existing thing, you should get it right!
More Examples of How to Use "Anyone" in a Sentence
- Anyone who lives in the city knows that it's difficult to find parking.
- Anyone who likes to read should read at least one daily newspaper, like USA Today.
- Anyone interested in a new job should be on LinkedIn.
- Anyone who has purchased a premium ticket gets a free glass of champagne.
- Tom is jealous of anyone who drives a car nicer than his.
- Does anyone know what's causing the people to act like this?
- I'm not sure anyone knows the answer to that question.
- You're not the only one who feels that way, anyone would feel that way in your position.
- Anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows that there will be ups and downs.
- Anyone can do something amazing.
More Examples of How to Use "Any One" in a Sentence
- Any one of the guests is welcome to stay.
- Any one of the children can participae in the show.
- You can choose any one you want.
- Any one of these sentences can be removed without sacrificing the paragraph's meaning.
- Any one of these books would make a great read.
- I don't think any one of us knows what is going on.
- I could go for any one of those restaurants right now!
- Any one of these movies would be a great choice for a weekend night.