' All ' vs ' Any ' - Please clarify the usage

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Please clarify which sentence is correct in the below mentioned choices(encountered a similar question in gmat prep, dont remember the exact question though).

1. All objects in the box are yellow in colour.
2. Any object in the box is yellow in colour.

Is there a possible split because of the above usage?

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by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Fri Sep 07, 2012 5:00 am
"Any" should be used only in negative sentences and questions. Therefore, the second sentence is incorrect
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by kanwar86 » Fri Sep 07, 2012 5:40 am
Kasia@MasterGMAT wrote:"Any" should be used only in negative sentences and questions. Therefore, the second sentence is incorrect
@Kasia
Well, I get the fact that usage of "any" in the mentioned question was wrong. But I am not able to understand what you imply by negative sentences and questions.

Here are few of the sentences that are coming to my mind (with any):
1) Can any of you help me with this question?
2) Any of the three guys sitting in those chairs can be a winner.
3) Any one who can answer this question will be given a suitable reward.
Please care to reply. :)
Regards

Kanwar

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by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Fri Sep 07, 2012 10:33 pm
I was referring to the MOST BASIC use of "any."
e.g. Is there any milk?
There aren't any free seats available.
Your examples are of course correct. Note that each of them uses ONE structure "any(one) + can..."
Also your first example is a QUESTION, isn't it?

1) Can any of you help me with this question? -
2) Any of the three guys sitting in those chairs can be a winner. -
3) Any one who can answer this question will be given a suitable reward.
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by kanwar86 » Fri Sep 07, 2012 10:52 pm
Thanks Kasia!
I thought you are saying the questions should also be negative. Bad inference :)
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Kanwar

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