Writing Tips

The Word "Any"

Self-revision is one mark of a careful writer. It is one way that a writer can speed and simplify the task of the editor. And the greatest service that a self-revising writer can provide to the editor is to eliminate excess words from a manuscript early in the creative cycle.

Writers typically find it hard to identify excess words. Their deep connection to their work often convinces them that not a single adjective or phrase can be removed without losing substance. But, by laying a manuscript aside for a short time, and later re-reading it, certain words and phrases begin to jump out as unnecessary. One of these is the word "any".

Vital or Useless?
As an adjective, "any" is a useful, but overused, intensifier. Reserve it for situations when the meanings of one at random, one indiscriminately, an indeterminate number or quantity, or lack of restriction are truly vital to the meaning of a sentence.

Consider these typical examples found in technical writing:

1. If any text is selected when you click <command>, the Format dialog opens.
2. Any file can be printed using the Print dialog.

In Sentence 1, the "any" is clearly unnecessary. Something happens when text is selected. That the amount of text is determinate or indeterminate is beside the point. Drop the "any".

In Sentence 2, on the other hand, the "any" is clearly vital. Every file, without restriction (as to size, format, etc.), can be printed. Keep the "any".