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 […]

These two nouns are completely unrelated. An antidote is a cure (for a problem). Originally, antidote meant only “a substance that counteracts a poison”; however, it can now be used for the cure to any kind of problem. Antidote is probably the easier word to remember because it has anti- in it, which you probably know, means “against” […]

These two adjectives have very similar meanings and are often confused by native speakers. The difference between them is subtle but important.  Amoral means “without morals.” Immoral means “morally bad.”  Just so we know what we’re talking about . . . a moral is a belief that a certain kind of behavior is right or wrong. On […]

You needn’t hurt your head trying to choose between the prepositions among and amongst; you can use them both in all of the same places. But there is a difference in style, between the US and the UK. The best advice, if you’re not sure, is to use among.  Amongst has an older, more high-class, and therefore […]

These two adjectives are almost the same in meaning but are used a little differently; both words can be translated as “friendly” but, while amiable usually describes a person’s personality, amicable usually does not: Visitors say people in New Orleans are especially amiable and easy to make friends with.We made an amicable agreement to take […]