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Am I missing something vs anything

English Language Learners Asked by Ra. on February 19, 2021

"Am I missing something?" or "Am I missing anything?":

I can see how there is a subtle difference in the meaning but is one of these idiomatic?

2 Answers

Am I missing something?

This is more widely used, colloquial, idiomatic and grammatical as well. For example:

  • "Wait a second, am I missing something here?"
  • "Am I missing something if I don't travel abroad?"

Am I missing anything?

This is equally idiomatic and grammatical. However its usage is (quite) low as compared to am I missing something.

  • "Am I missing anything if I don't socialize?"
  • "Am I missing anything if I don't accompany you to the wedding ceremony?"

However I feel, something refers to a small range of objectifiable things, whereas anything indicates a far bigger range.

missing something vs missing anything

Correct answer by Dhanishtha Ghosh on February 19, 2021

I'd say that something can be used in a more general way for when you are referring to any arbitrary number of things while anything would be better suited when the things are limited in numbers.

Answered by Joy Grewal on February 19, 2021

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