something, anything, nothing

Grammar notes

Things: Something, Anything, Nothing

Use something mostly in affirmative sentences. Use anything often in questions and negatives. Use nothing when the whole idea is negative already.

• Example: I need something to drink.
• Example: We didn't see anything.

Quick Rule

• something -> often affirmative
• anything -> often question or negative
• nothing -> already negative, so do not add another negative word

Once you know the mood of the sentence, the right word becomes much easier to choose.