A: This animal is the largest of any mammal.
vs.
B: This animal is the largest of all mammals.
What are the subtle differences between A and B?
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"largest of any mammal" is just wrong and doesn't make sense in the sentence.– KrisCommented Sep 15, 2014 at 6:14
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6@Kris No. There's nothing wrong with “largest of any mammal”. Your comment is incorrect.– Janus Bahs JacquetCommented Sep 15, 2014 at 8:14
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2@Kris - Janus is right. Google the phrase "largest of any", and you'll encounter plenty of similar constructions.– Erik KowalCommented Sep 15, 2014 at 11:41
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1 Answer
There is no difference. In sentence A, 'any' in effect means 'all', which makes sentences A and B equivalent in meaning.
answered Sep 15, 2014 at 2:26
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One is plural and the other is singular. So I think they must have SUBTLE differences.– xmllmxCommented Sep 15, 2014 at 2:29
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1@xmllmx - That doesn't necessarily follow. With the construction you present in A, 'any' can only describe a singular noun; with the construction in B, 'all' can only describe a plural noun. But so what? What kind of subtle difference do you think there might be as a consequence? Commented Sep 15, 2014 at 2:37
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2+1 - @xmllmx - The construction of any is often used in informal contexts to mean "of all," as in He is the best known of any living playwright. (i.e. all.) No difference. Also, any can be plural. Check a dictionary. Commented Sep 15, 2014 at 3:34
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3@Kris, why the downvote? This answer is correct. Look up any in a dictionary or two, would you? Sheesh. Commented Sep 15, 2014 at 6:46