text: what is the difference between anyone and any one? i am trying to find a loop hole. in the statement "an adult must accompany any one under the age of 17." does that mean that the adult can accompany for example 2 people? 1a use 'any one' of things and of person when 'one' has a numerical sense : which pen do you want? - any one will do. 1b at all other times use 'anyone' of persons : is anyone there?  2a 'anyone' is singular and normally takes a singular verb and is referred to by a singular pronoun : has anyone a book he can lend me? 2b when anyone has the force of 'all', without exception, the singular would sound out of keeping and the plural is normally used : anyone can enter for the art contest, can't they?